Page 18 | Knew this would happen, had to turn down job

Trixie78 · 2021-04-22T12:23:22+00:00

I'm furious, have been out of work for a while. Was offered a temporary contract writing and implementating policy for a public sector organisation. Just up my street and would really have helped us out. Turns out they're Stonewall champions and are full on TWAW and have all rights to anything they want. I asked to review some of their current policies and it's all cisgender crap and lists of stuff we must and mustn't do to make all Trans people safe. We'll I've obviously had to turn down the role and worse I told the recruiter why so will probably never get a job through them now. There are companies out there that haven't bought into all this crap aren't there?

thinkingaboutLangCleg · 22/04/2021 15:00

Well done, Trixie78, and thank you for taking a principled stand. Courage calls to courage everywhere.

thinkingaboutLangCleg · 22/04/2021 14:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn as it quotes a deleted post.

Original poster

Trixie78 · 22/04/2021 14:58

@MaximumVolume

My company is currently advertising for a mat cover Contracts Officer if that is a similar role ? Let me know and I’ll DM the details.

Thank you that's really kind of you. I work more in HR though so it probably wouldn't be for me xx

I think why I'm really cross (am in garden with wine now so can properly contemplate it), is the fact I CAN turn the job down because we're ok financially (for the minute anyway), I'll need a job but we have some reserves we can draw on so it's not urgent.

I keep thinking though what if things got really bad financially and I had no choice? We've kids to feed and clothe. It's easy to show integrity when you have other options but how about when you don't? Will I one day find myself in a position where I have to accept jobs like this and go along with it or risk losing our family home? I think about the women who may not be lucky enough to be in my situation (and mine doesn't feel very lucky ATM). I think this is at the heart of my fury. Men don't get this.

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SapphosRock · 22/04/2021 14:56

I'm sorry but good on you for standing up for what you believe.

I think the culture of an organisation is important and I'm sure there is a better fit for you out there.

To give another perspective, I work for an org that is the opposite, we partner with a lot of businesses in the UAE. Consequently we cannot do anything surrounding LGBT rights. It's a pretty sexist culture to be honest.

Something in between would be ideal. Good luck.

BettysCardigan · 22/04/2021 14:52

FFS @Summerhillsquare why is that THE priority now in so many instances?! Drives me wild.

CorvusPurpureus · 22/04/2021 14:52

Bullet dodged, I reckon - there's absolutely no way you want to be aboard that particular train when it de-rails. Enjoy your 🍷 & the satisfaction of having principles!

Summerhillsquare · 22/04/2021 14:46

I've just looked at a great job in a London borough. First thing on the general info page is their Transgender Policy. Objecting to trans people in opposite sexed facilities will be classed as discrimination. Muddling up sex and gender. Assigned at birth...etc etc. I won't be applying, even though I meet the person spec..

MaximumVolume · 22/04/2021 14:41

My company is currently advertising for a mat cover Contracts Officer if that is a similar role ? Let me know and I’ll DM the details.

ArabellaScott · 22/04/2021 14:39

Potholes, you're quite right, there. I wonder how long it will take for all the wokeships to sink? There is an industry built on the back of a lot of genderqueer nonsense - it's not going to last.

ArabellaScott · 22/04/2021 14:38

I'm sorry, OP. But well done for standing up for your principles.

Womens' rights are human rights; you are completely correct.

Original poster

Trixie78 · 22/04/2021 14:37

When I say I did consider taking the job I'd like to point out I deliberated for less than a minute 🤣🤣🤣 it wasn't a hard choice just an infuriating one!

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PotholeHellhole · 22/04/2021 14:31

I did consider it but it's not just writing the policies, it's rolling it out and upholding it. I could potentially end up in meetings with women having to try and explain to them they're not allowed to object to males in their spaces. Worse if someone decided to take legal action I could end up in court trying to DEFEND these ridiculous policies. As a feminist and being GC, no amount of money is worth it.

Yikes! No, that is not a ship you want to be on when it finally crashes into the rocks we can all see.

StrangeLookingParasite · 22/04/2021 14:28

@ASugarr

If that is their policy then that's their policy. Human rights are important in most companies to uphold. Good luck looking elsewhere.

But only the human rights of certain people.

BettysCardigan · 22/04/2021 14:27

I'm sorry, I hate that this is part of being a woman now.

I turned down an interview at a company that built a menstrual tracker app because they were so woke you'd think men were the ones who bleed every month. I've also had to turn down a job offer recently because it meant being away from my kids too often, and I don't think my eldest would cope particularly well with that.

There's always so much to consider that men don't have to give headspace to.

Warmduscher · 22/04/2021 14:23

The good thing is, OP, that you knew before you committed yourself.

Anyone with integrity would turn down a job with an organisation that misrepresents UK law.

They can’t just opt in or out of it for woke points.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 22/04/2021 14:22

Yeah - if human rights are those rights that are held by 'default humans' (men) in a world where women are dehumanised then I'll take women's rights and organisations that promote these any day!

Original poster

Trixie78 · 22/04/2021 14:21

@StellaAndCrow

I'm sorry trixie. My initial thought was to say just go along with it for the sake of having a job, but having thought about it a bit more, it would just be stressful having to deal with this stuff all day, going against your beliefs, and not being able to be yourself at work. So I think you've done the right thing.

I did consider it but it's not just writing the policies, it's rolling it out and upholding it. I could potentially end up in meetings with women having to try and explain to them they're not allowed to object to males in their spaces. Worse if someone decided to take legal action I could end up in court trying to DEFEND these ridiculous policies. As a feminist and being GC, no amount of money is worth it.

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Original poster

Trixie78 · 22/04/2021 14:17

@ASugarr

If that is their policy then that's their policy. Human rights are important in most companies to uphold. Good luck looking elsewhere.

I'll find something 😜 I'm rather good. I'd disagree and say this organisation obviously doesn't give a shit about human rights but they're entitled to run the place however they want. I just won't be joining the bus as I actually do care about ALL people's rights, not just some 'special' people.

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StellaAndCrow · 22/04/2021 14:17

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StellaAndCrow · 22/04/2021 14:16

I'm sorry trixie. My initial thought was to say just go along with it for the sake of having a job, but having thought about it a bit more, it would just be stressful having to deal with this stuff all day, going against your beliefs, and not being able to be yourself at work. So I think you've done the right thing.

ASugarr · 22/04/2021 14:12

If that is their policy then that's their policy. Human rights are important in most companies to uphold. Good luck looking elsewhere.

Original poster

Trixie78 · 22/04/2021 13:55

I think I'm going to go drink wine in the sunny garden, that'll make me feel better. Cheers all 🍾🍷

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Original poster

Trixie78 · 22/04/2021 13:52

[quote Thelnebriati]How did you word it? If you explained that they are breaking safeguarding, or equality laws, that really shouldn't count against you.

Its actually illegal to persuade or compel others to break equality laws. If you ever find yourself in this situation, use that fact.

Instructing, causing or inducing contraventions
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/111[/quote]
I said I couldn't work for a SW champion because they don't invoke the single sex exemptions enshrined in the equality act 2010 and left it at that. Haven't heard anything back and probably won't.

Hey ho it wasn't the right place for me to work I'm just disappointed but it's better I get a job elsewhere and get in before SW. I managed to steer us away from anything like that in my last place so just hoping there are organisations that haven't been captured. I'm seeing it more and more in job adverts, it's depressing.

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YetAnotherSpartacus · 22/04/2021 13:42

I'm really sorry Trixie and yes I'm not surprised in my line of work either even though you'd think that this would be an area where commitments to women, children and safeguarding would be front and centre.

At least I have wages coming in. I am so sorry for you and I admire your integrity.

Thelnebriati · 22/04/2021 13:40

How did you word it? If you explained that they are breaking safeguarding, or equality laws, that really shouldn't count against you.

Its actually illegal to persuade or compel others to break equality laws. If you ever find yourself in this situation, use that fact.

Instructing, causing or inducing contraventions
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/111