Toxic - Electronic Cigarette Specialist VPZ Employee Review

1.0
24 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You receive a discount by virtue of working there. That is the one and only benefit.

Cons

Ostensibly the most anti-worker franchise on the high street. 1. No work/life balance. You are expected to dedicate yourself to VPZ and their twisted notion of work culture - even if you are only a university student looking for some extra cash to put yourself through school. 2. Poor treatment of ill staff - I witnessed a staff member literally poo themselves because of Norovirus and not be sent home. Staff members with severe respiratory infections were encouraged to come into work. This is despite VPZ claiming it is on the cutting edge of public health retail (they maintain a 'clinic' vibe in store to make more sales). It is not in the best interest of public health to force sick employees to come into work when they cannot work safely or with dignity. 3. Discrimination isn't taken seriously: I received abuse from customers about wearing an accessibility tool and my fellow staff failed to see the glaring issue. I also heard my fellow staff laughing about serious violence directed against members of the trans community. Need I say more? 4. You are forced to work alone for nearly every shift. Incredibly distressing when you first start. 5. Clause in your work contract that states that you must pay for your own training to work there if you leave within three years. Regardless of whether it's actually enforced, objectively disgusting and anti-worker. 6. You are encouraged to start vaping as an employee even if you already do not use cigarettes or nicotine. Public health anyone? Not a 'snowflake' by any means - I have worked all my life since I was 15 in various industries. Function work, cafe work, portering, sales, retail, admin, cleaning. I have never worked at a place as deplorable as VPZ, and I have worked for less than minimum wage before.

Explore other reviews about VPZ

4.0
3 Aug 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good environment and friendly colleagues

Cons

None that I can mention

1.0
22 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

• Discount on e-liquid I guess

Cons

• Redundancy left, right & centre. • You are constantly ill as there is no sick pay so everyone comes into work choked with the cold. • Treated like children but expected to go above and beyond • Judgement if you don’t vape • Toxic culture

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All