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!

Saturday 25 June 2016

Robin Hood


For the last few years, the Tories have re-negotiated employment rights to the employer’s advantage claiming that doing so would benefit the economy. It was the EU in the main which prevented them going too far, along with some of the stronger unions.

The Tories version of give and take is also worth noting. They gave us The Equality Act 2010, which means that we can’t be bullied at work or harassed and discriminated against on protected grounds of gender, race or disability etc. But then they made it prohibitively expensive to take an Equality Act 2010 case to tribunal or court with court fees running to thousands.

With the EU out of the picture following #Brexit, workers rights and employment law will be looked at again by the Tory right wing.  I’m worried about the forthcoming employment agenda.

We need the strongest Labour government in opposition now. We need the strongest trade unions. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jeremy Corbyn, but this is too big a job for him. We need, um...

 

Robin Hood?

Tuesday 14 June 2016

The Go-To Guy


The hibernation I mentioned in my last blog lasted a little longer than anticipated,and I’m sorry for that, but at least the result of it is that I have a new novel coming out in October. The hard work paid off!

But let’s not waste any time in being back at Bullied by the Boss with all things bullying, harassment and employment related.

Ordinarily, I have never allowed adverts on my blog. Over time, people have told me I’m crazy: “Monetise!” they shout. But I don’t want my readers to be distracted by adverts for coats, deodorants and soft drinks when they’re looking for solidarity and support.

I’ve also been approached many times over the years to blog about companies that promote related services. As a rule, I always politely decline.

But recently I got thinking about advertising. There can be great value in personal recommendations. I set myself to working out who would I turn to if workplace bullying were, God forbid, to happen to me again. If I found myself bullied at work and my life again reduced to a daily misery of unhappiness and humiliation, who would I call?

I realised that during my break from blogging the landscape of employment law has been changing fast. It’s all about mediation now. Like litigation, mediation is confidential but it’s quicker and less expensive. With mediation, one bonus is that keeping your job can be an option.

There are a growing number of mediators out there but if mediation fails you don’t want to be hunting around for a lawyer who can progress things further. So my personal recommendation would be a trained mediator who is also an experienced lawyer.

But who in particular would I use?

There is a lawyer about whom I have heard nothing but good things and great results for those having all sorts of trouble at work. And what has prompted this blog is that I’ve just heard he is also now an accredited employment and workplace mediator.

Chris Mayers in Cardiff has seen it all from both Claimant and Defendant side. He’s fearless, but also patient and understanding. If I were to run into a workplace problem again, he’s the guy I would call.  

He’s your go-to guy!
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