Mumsnet Talk

I had a moment like that in my previous job when my period started very unexpectedly (stupid implant). We had to log on to a specific setting whenever we needed the loo or a fag break, and if you took more than 20 minutes in an 8-hour shift they questioned you.

At one point I logged in to the section for "personal time" and the team leader accosted me at my desk, asking me why I was going and that I'd already had my 20 minutes of allotted time due to a urinary infection.

My retort was "if you don't let me leave I'm going to stand here and bleed all over this fucking carpet, which given the colour would probably improve it a little. Now can you please get the fuck out of my way?"

He was ashen. I almost died with laughter afterwards.

I have often wondered what other people do about this.

I work in a small day nursery and from 1-4 pm there are only 2 staff with the children, so neither should go to the toilet, as that leaves 1 adult alone with the children, which is not allowed (child protection but it protects the adults from false allegations too.)

Sometimes it is very difficult if on a heavy period etc. WE have to decide whether to break the rules.

Egg - call centre, had to put a code in phone for loo breaks.

Bloody nightmare

Thank God I have never, ever found myself working anywhere where any of this shit happens.

Maybe I've just spent my life working at jobs where nobody notices whether I am there or not... but it's got to be preferable to this.

Since this sort of company is bound to have professional snoopers monitoring the Internet for mentions of itself, I can see why nobody is naming and shaming. But if you think you can safely do so, feel extremely free.

Join a union - the TUC have been campaigning on this for years:

www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-17670-f0.cfm

Alternatively, you could try taking your employer hostage, as in this Chinese example:

www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/22/chinese-managers-hostage-toilet-breaks.

Of course, we will all eventually end up like these Chinese workers with Chris (I smack my children and I'm fine with it) grayling at the helm. Lots to look forward to.

Sparrows12, so true. . .so sad.

Bunty I thought ratios were applied across the whole building?

SPBInDisguise yes, that is the whole building; no one else there to cover.

Sometimes I go once of twice out of my break and sometimes, like today, I didn't feel the need to go at all.

Thank you all for the advice.

Also, yes I have had tests as to why I drink alot and there is nothing wrong with me. I tried to cut downon the amount of water I drink, but, I have noticed that I get more frequent headaches. I guess I'm just someone who needs more fluids.

Thanks for everyone who has answered, and for the ones who haven't read my opening post correctly, please read again.

But surely the toilet is in the building! Or am I just being too pedantic? I always assumed staff nipped to the loo etc

As a teacher I deliberately reduce my fluid intake so I don;t need to go, as I normally don;t get time at break as I have to deal with pupils/clear up/set up next activity etc - and often at lunch we have meetings or suchlike.

Lots of my colleagues get kidney infections

OP - don't do what I do - it's not good for your health!