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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To refuse something that isn’t in my job description?

32 replies

Tequillalemon · 27/06/2025 06:11

I am currently being asked to do more than my job description - like many people nowadays - worried I will lose my job if I don’t but what I am being asked to do does not follow policy and isn’t safe, and not what I thought the job entailed.

My job description has lots of points in but my main duties are advice and guidance.

Now being asked to clean, do basic diy, tip runs, moving heavy things etc. As this is not in my job description what happens if I was to have an accident or break something?

Not actually sure on my role anymore and I have voiced my concerns. They either change my job description to reflect the new duties or I don’t do it.

Where do I stand?

AIBU?

OP posts:
loopyloulou87 · 27/06/2025 06:39

Pretend you have a bad back.

Deerrobin · 27/06/2025 06:37

Without knowing the job specifics it’s tricky to say what is or isn’t reasonable, although it’s it’s a task that you cannot do safely then that is unreasonable and you need to discuss it with whoever is asking you to it it.
Cleaning, moving furniture, tip runs etc could be within that sort of remit though, I’m thinking back to when I worked for a small, new charity in an advisory role which was the central part of the job, but supporting the wider organisation set-up, literally the physical space, was also important for us all to muck in as a small team to achieve our aims.

PiscesScot · 27/06/2025 06:37

on the face of it, it doesn’t sound like these are reasonable. Have they given you safety training for moving heavy items? If it’s your own car being used for tip runs - does your insurance cover business? If not and you have an accident in your way to the tip or back, you won’t be insured. Also I wouldn’t be putting dirty stuff in my own car for them anyway. Basic DIY - for an Office Manager for instance in a small company that might not be unreasonable depending on the task.

Sirzy · 27/06/2025 06:26

BusWankers · 27/06/2025 06:15

All depends... if there's a clause saying "and other reasonable duties"

And if the duties are reasonable for your role.

What is your job title?

This.

I doubt any job description will be a definitive list of what may be needed at some point. It depends if it’s a reasonable request.

Original poster
Tequillalemon · 27/06/2025 06:26

Job title is an advisory role.

Most job descriptions do now have a bit written in about being asked to do their things in relation to your role - but I can’t see how shifting heavy dirty things into my car can be classed as in relation to my role - something’s seem to fall under a cleaner or maintenance role. Maybe I just need to search for another job

OP posts:
SundayFundayz · 27/06/2025 06:16

How long have you been in the job? If under two years you don’t have any rights against unfair dismissal anyway.

if over two years it’s still a tricky one! If you were dismissed for not doing it, it would be up to the tribunal to determine if the requests were reasonable or not. You would have more of a chance with the safety element but it’s still down to interpretation (and it’s also a very long wait for tribunal).

I would put it in writing why you feel it’s unreasonable.

BusWankers · 27/06/2025 06:15

All depends... if there's a clause saying "and other reasonable duties"

And if the duties are reasonable for your role.

What is your job title?