Boss punched the table & shouted at me.

[Walkingwithdinosaurs]

Boss has a favourite employee, said employee (let’s call her Pat) was extremely rude to me so I told her not to speak to me like that. The whole office heard it and of course spoke about it to each other and to me.

Pat then went to the boss (owner) and told what happened and said that I was gossiping about her and making her look bad and that I had hurt her feelings.

It’s all very immature and I’ve never had this kind of behaviour in a work place before. Anyway, boss calls me into the office and goes crazy at me. How dare I upset Pat, he shouted so loudly that everyone in the office heard every word he said to me. He punched the table, wouldn’t let me speak or stand up for myself or explain what actually happened. This lasted about 10 minutes until I walked outside and gathered my thoughts.

Needless to say, I was extremely upset and embarrassed. I sat at my desk and cried.

I honestly don’t know what to do. We don’t have HR because it’s only 4 staff + the boss.

I’ve only been there 2 years and don’t want to leave because I love my job. Any advice much appreciated as I can’t even sleep replaying this back over and over.

Leave. Claim constructive dismissal.

Was also going to suggest ACAS.
You have witnesses , they backed you, he treated them with the same contempt he treated you,
He needs reminding he’s an employer with responsibilities and employment rules to follow. He’s not running a Victorian workhouse.

I would document everything about his vile behaviour, whether it is directed at you or another employee. Look for another job and stick it out at your current work place as long as you can. If you have to leave, use the documented instances to bring a case for constructive dismissal. See if any other current or previous employees also want to come in on the case.

I think so to.

Definitely talk to ACAS. If witnesses are prepared to support you, you may well find that the threat of a tribunal is enough to secure a generous pay-off.
The witnesses are key though.

Hence why I asked OP if she gets sick pay.

Did you? I saw this, which isn’t a question:

Andin the meantime go off sick so he has to pay you.

If I missed another post where you asked it, then I apologise.

I am aware of the small percentage of constructive dismissal cases which are successful. That's why I suggested documenting this incident and sitting it out until the next. This may not be necessary, however, if you can get other staff to support a record of previous incidents. If this has happened before, and you can get support in recording this, I suggest you do so. Send the letter, document previous events, get supporting statements from the staff affected, and approach ACAS immediately.

Hi thanks everyone for your advice it’s so appreciated. Constructive dismissal is a route I would be willing to go down but I know 100% that none of my colleagues would side with me as they need their jobs too.

It’s a hard lesson learned, I thought I was respected and was a valuable part of the team. Now I know that we’re all just numbers in there… apart from Pat I can see that I’ll need to move on and leave them to it.

I don’t believe that I did anything wrong but there’s no way he would apologise or come to a rational conclusion.

As for Pat, while I look for something else, I will be keeping my distance from that one.

Even if they would bear witness. It’s not clear that one incidence would Be enough:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/dismissal/check-your-rights-if-youre-dismissed/claiming-constructive-dismissal/#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20only%20usually,includes%20your%20statutory%20notice%20period.

It’s a good idea to report bullying or threatening behaviour before you decide to resign. This would give your employer the chance to stop it. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your manager, you could try reporting it to their manager or your HR department. If they don’t do anything about the bullying, you could have a strong constructive dismissal claim.

You need to leave.

I had a boss that did this and I walked out immediately. I made sure that several vital jobs were not completed which meant deadlines would be missed. It must have been an absolute headache for the business!