I dont know where i stand on this

[katiekia]

Hi i am new to this.

 

Im experiencing problems at work. Ive been there 3 mths.

 

There has recently been a management change. They have asked me to change my working pattern, which was set in place when i started, due to being a single parent. Ive been told if i dont change then i can either leave or just do till work (my contract lists me as a sales/merchandiser doing various things)

When i questioned it i was told that i could fill up shelves around the till and that would cover merchandising.

 

Another problem i have is hard to describe in writing but it seems a couple of staff pick on me. I am not allowed to fill certain area;s or go to the stock room which hold the stock for their area. I saw an empty space and decided to go and get stock to fill it.

I was told to get out, i am not to touch anything in there it doesnt belong to me!

This has happened on a number of occaisions, and i really dont know whats in stock if anyone asks.

These people refuse to go on the till and are not asked to do so by management

 

When a major display change goes on, i am the only member of staff not to be (or ever been included) - they have always told me to do the till.

 

I have complained and told that "its not on and we will sort it out", but nothing changes.

 

Once i was given an exciting job of putting together a cupboard, but then i was told to "assemble it by the till and serve" It ended up that it took me over 2 hrs to asssemble it due to queues and then i got told "im too slow"!

 

This has been mentioned when they told me to change my hrs, I was told they are going to have set areas for people and only the staff who are fast and know the stock are getting the floor jobs, I can have the till.

 

All this is making me feel very stupid (which im not - i gave up a manager job as i have recently become a single parent and needed less hours, the company i worked for could not accomodate me , so i found this one which fitted perfectly (until now).

 

One more thing before i finish, the tempreture i am working in is over 30deg! there are no cooling systems. It gets so hot its now embarressing as my clothes are wet, even though i use 48 hr deodrant. Again nothing is done about it.

 

Its got to the point where i do not want to go in, as everyday is the same, I feel useless, in the way and like i dont belong.

 

I am searching on a new job, but this takes time and there isnt a lot around at the moment. I cannot afford to just leave as i have a child to support and dont see why i should as its my job and i want to work!

 

I am getting worried now as they know i cannot change me working pattern, there answer is "we dont take into account anybodys circumstances"

 

[rebel11]

Hi kat

 

Welcome to CAG

 

The guys will be happy to advise as soon as they are available.

 

If you rasied a grievance informally, then you need to raise a grievance formally. Have you looked at the employee handbook? What does it say about rasing grievances?

 

With regards to working conditions :- http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm

 

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1670

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/Grievanceprocedures/DG_10027992

 

If you don't think your direct management aren't addressing your complaints then take your grievance to senior management or directors of the company. Keep a Diary, dates, times etc.

[Sidewinder]

I have to echo Rebel's advice above. There is little that you can do for the time being but to raise a grievance and have the employer answer your concerns one by one.

 

In the longer term, the attitude of not taking individual circumstances into account may not wash, as there are certain rights surrounding treatment of staff, not least the discrimination aspect towards a single parent (it could be construed as indirect sex discrimination), especially where certain working patterns have been agreed to take into account individual circumstances.

[katiekia]

I have to echo Rebel's advice above. There is little that you can do for the time being but to raise a grievance and have the employer answer your concerns one by one.

 

In the longer term, the attitude of not taking individual circumstances into account may not wash, as there are certain rights surrounding treatment of staff, not least the discrimination aspect towards a single parent (it could be construed as indirect sex discrimination), especially where certain working patterns have been agreed to take into account individual circumstances.

 

I have checked my contract and in the grievance part its saying that you cannot start a grievance if you are on probationary period (i am until next month)

[RachelMD]

Ignore that. Follow the ACAS code of practice on disciplinary & grievance procedures.

[Sidewinder]

Absolute nonsense. There is no qualifying period in which you cannot lodge a grievance, and if this were to result in a Tribunal hearing (as a case of discrimination easily could) then they would be ridiculed.

[Bunty Rothsay]

Hi

just a quick note - I hope you are keeping a diary of everything that is going on as its sooo easy to forget things. Also re the heat has anyone else mentioned this - or have you mentioned it to others to see how they are feeling?

B

[katiekia]

Hi

just a quick note - I hope you are keeping a diary of everything that is going on as its sooo easy to forget things. Also re the heat has anyone else mentioned this - or have you mentioned it to others to see how they are feeling?

B

 

yes everyone has complained even the customers, especially the ones who have children/babies in pushchairs/prams.

There is a small fan at the checkout and the themometer reads 30 deg there, the rest of the building is hotter.

[Bunty Rothsay]

Cant anyone make a call to the Health and Safety executive or is this not relevant please someone correct me if Im wrong? There should be a big notice on your wall somewhere (usually in the canteen or staff area) saying all the things your employer should do for you etc re health and safety and well being and contact details - could you not get a friend to ring and say they were a customer???

 

Sounds awful place!

 

Is there no way you can highlight this to management or raise in a staff meeting but be really jolly and smiley about it (the way they are when they are telling you something bad) that way youcould make it look like you are being proactive (which you are) - as there is always the oh he or she is being negative if you are saying in regard to yourself ie im too hot. Whereas like employers do if you put a spin on it and say oh its a worry that lady has just commented re the heat and could impact on business etc its the 3rd one today to make comment (then make a note of when you said it in your diary and to whom and who was there when you said it)

 

Dont any of the customers write in and complain? B

[rebel11]

You could all raise a Joint Grievance about the 'heat' in the shop. Suffering in silence isn't an option.

[Sidewinder]

Cant anyone make a call to the Health and Safety executive or is this not relevant please someone correct me if Im wrong?

 

Problem is that there is no legislation which can force an employer to control the temperature beyond what is 'reasonable' and even the Code of Practice under the Regulations for Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare recommends that temperatures should be at least 16 degrees in order to provide thermal comfort without the need for special clothing. Further regulation is impossible due to the varying nature of occupations - strenuous activity negates a lower temperature, and sedentary activity negates a higher temperature. HSE recommends a workplace temperature of between 16 and 30 degrees Celcius.

 

Is there no way you can highlight this to management or raise in a staff meeting but be really jolly and smiley about it (the way they are when they are telling you something bad) that way youcould make it look like you are being proactive (which you are) - as there is always the oh he or she is being negative if you are saying in regard to yourself ie im too hot. Whereas like employers do if you put a spin on it and say oh its a worry that lady has just commented re the heat and could impact on business etc its the 3rd one today to make comment (then make a note of when you said it in your diary and to whom and who was there when you said it)

 

Dont any of the customers write in and complain? B

 

A collective Grievance is certainly appropriate, and once highlighted as a Health & Safety concern, the employer should be making a Risk Assessment, recommendations from which could involve air conditioning (unlikely) fans to circulate air, more regular access to cool drinks or allowing layers of clothing to be removed where appropriate.

[katiekia]

I rang ACAS today i have to fill in a form regarding my hours. They also told me that even though it states in my contract "no greivences can be lodged whilst working probation period" - i can put one in as what they state doesnt stand.

 

So i will be filling in the form and writing a greivance, my guess is i will lose my job, but the man at acas said if they do then i will be able to go to tribunal.

 

As for the heat, i had a word with health and safety, there are no hard fast rules for this, but staff must be comfortable!

 

I feel sick at the thought of going in now, its constantly on my mind and i know each day brings a whole new problem with them.

[katiekia]

I rang acas yet again today to clarify the bit on the flexi working hours req form about having worked for the same company for 26 weeks.

 

The man at acas (who was different to the one bfore) said i cant do anything about anything!

I havent been there long enough and could put in a grievence and they could sack me - but i cant do anything!!

 

This is terrible that a member of senior management can lie about a verbal agreement made at interview!!! Its terrible when among other things: I have to say "im going now goodbye" to every supervisor there! - Everything i do i am told to take it apart and do it again! I am singled out to do the same job over and over. If im given a job then i am given a specific amount of time to comlete it in, or they say they will sack me!

and i cant do anything about it, unbelieveable!!

[Nickynackynoo]

It all sounds awful. I really feel for you, I'm in a similar situation with a very unreasonable boss. I know it isn't fair but is it worth you trying to fin something else and letting them all get on with their very petty minded ways by themselves? It is harsh, but ultimately maybe the stress and upset is not worth the possibility of a claim maybe coming through. Doesn't stop them doing it again to others I know, but might make you feel better if you get out of there. Good luck.

[rebel11]

Hi kat

 

How long have your colleagues been working there?

 

Is it a large company?

[katiekia]

Hi kat

 

How long have your colleagues been working there?

 

Is it a large company?

 

Some have been there longer than me some after. Its a small business (2 stores in different towns)

[rebel11]

The same problem exits in bigger companies but to a lesser extent. They are taking advantage because they believe people won't act so they can do what they like.