So then...

About Me

Welcome to my blog. My pen name is Eva James. I'm an aspiring writer paying the bills working as a legal secretary. Bullied by my boss in 2008, I looked for another job but the recession hit. Feeling trapped, I started this blog. Trevor Griffiths, legendary theatre, TV and film writer said at the outset, "I like the writing a lot: smart, cool, placed. If you were prepared/able to take your prick of a boss on, you'd marmelise him." I was unaware back then that it would catalogue one of the most extreme cases of workplace bullying in the UK. I've found another job, but am subject to a gagging order. I'm still blogging, of course. Just don't tell the lawyers!

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Supermarket Sweep

On Monday I was shocked when I heard the BBC reporting about employers lobbying the government.

British employers are calling for the qualifying period without employment rights extended from the one year to two. Can think of an altruistic reason they might want it? Me neither. I predict rising numbers of people bullied/harassed and unfairly dismissed at 23.5 months. That’s right, you can treat them how you like, just move them on before their employment rights kick in.

Employers are also asking for a mandatory £500 payment to be paid by employees wanting to take their employer to a Tribunal. What’s interesting about this is, at present, the £500 deposit is the amount a Tribunal Judge can order to deter a potentially unjustified claim by an employee. It seems employers, envying judicial power, have asked that every employee be treated as though they’re trying it on.

If you were ever in doubt as to whose side the law is stacked on – here it is.

We’ll see if it’s put into practice. If so, then surely it’s only a matter of time before the Employment Tribunals are made redundant by the retail giants. And your local Court may close – only to reopen as Tesco Extra.

Best wishes

BBTB x

3 comments:

Fiona WordsBird said...

Today I had lunch with an ex-colleague who was bullied out of her job by means of the 'extended probationary period' scam.

At interview for her new job, the panel asked her to describe various scenarios explaining how she dealt with difficult or challenging people at work.

They could not believe my friend's manager had been so useless, and hired her on the spot.

Bullied By The Boss said...

I'm so pleased for your friend. She's taken an unpleasant situation and learnt from it.

I've heard plenty of examples of bosses manipulating probation, where the goalposts are endlessly moved for such childish reasons that it would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

It says it all that your friend's new employer understood immediately what had gone on.

It makes me wonder how many people, who are perhaps not as resourceful as your friend, get their confidence eroded by game players.

In this respect, I'm really delighted you've provided such an positive example on my blog.

Anyone who's been through this surely will be helped by a reminder that it's a well known practice that says far more about the mentality of the former employer than that of the employee.

EmilyLloyd said...

Please could you contact someone in need of help. 12 months of being shouted at and ridiculed and then they said they were making my post 'redundant'.

Bottom Swirl