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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be really pissed off with my boss

14 replies

follyfoot · 01/04/2011 23:04

...who announced to a colleague and I 5 minutes after we were due to finish work for the day that we would suddenly have to change our hours and cover 4.30 until 5.00 each day between us as she wanted three people in the office during that time? This is despite the fact there are 4 full timers, and the rules are that only two of us are allowed to take holidays at the same time so its fine for just two people to be there all day long (and in fact I have been left on my own a number of times recently). Suddenly we now have to have three of us there for the quietest part of the day. We wont be increasing our hours, as we would have to come in later and finish later. I have a really long commute to work, and driving in the rush hour will make it even longer. My colleague (who is lovely) has two children at home and has always finished at 4.30; her husband works away so there is only her to look after the children in the week.

Could it have anything to do with the fact that I challenged her on something today and it turned out I was right? Hmm She didnt speak to me for three hours.

I could slap her, I really could.

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 01/04/2011 23:07

She can't change your contracted hours without your consent. She sounds like the boss from hell. ACAS run a help line, you should have a chat. If your contracted to do until 4:30 then she can't just change them.

Missingfriendsandsad · 01/04/2011 23:09

why do so many twats get into management jobs - being an oversensitive paranoid idiot is not a management skill

Original poster
follyfoot · 01/04/2011 23:11

Its not defined in my contract unfortunately. We talked about 8.30 to 4.30 before I started, she then asked me to work 9 - 5 for a week, then I asked to change which she said was fine. Have been doing 8.30 - 4.30 for three months and there havent been any probs.

She asked us both to think about it. I'm tempted to say on Monday: we've both thought about it and no, sorry its not convenient....Grin

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 01/04/2011 23:14

She is consulting you then. Just tell her the error of her plan.

Original poster
follyfoot · 01/04/2011 23:16

When I say 'asked us both to think about it', it was only in terms of how we would be covering it, rather than whether.

Have to say she is the laziest boss I have ever worked for, dont think she has done a full day's work since I started there.

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 01/04/2011 23:22

A lot of bosses are like this, sadly. I'd say no. I'm assuming there will be 3 people working from 9-5 and 3 people from 08:30-4:30? Wouldn't you and the other part timer have to alternate this??

Original poster
follyfoot · 01/04/2011 23:31

Hi Belle. There's currently two 8.30 - 4.30 staff (colleague and I), one 9 - 5, and the boss who works about 9.20 to 5. She wants one 8.30 - 4.30, two 9 - 5 and her doing 9.20 to 5 (ish!). Apparently its because she has decided there has to be three of us there until 5. No idea why, its not hectic, the phones ring maybe once or twice in that last half hour and virtually no-one comes to our office so there isnt a huge demand on our department then.

Think its all because of this morning's fall out. Its worked fine for the last three months as it is, no idea why we have to change it now.

OP posts:
MaisyMooCow · 01/04/2011 23:34

I'm sure something called 'common practice' kicks in here. If there are any HR bods in the house I'm sure they'll be able to advise.

btw, your boss sounds a complete tool!

belledechocchipcookie · 01/04/2011 23:37

Take her a cake on Monday and explain that it's pointless as it's so quiet. If she's happy to pay you for doing nothing then hey ho. You could argue that as she's not requested these times before then they are an alteration to your contract of employment, which she can't do without consultation. Even though your contract does not state specific times, because you've been working the set times and negotiated the set times then any employment tribunal would assume that your hours are 08:30-4:30.

Does this make sense? I'm a tad knackered.

Original poster
follyfoot · 01/04/2011 23:45

All makes perfect sense Belle, thank you. It will cause ructions and the atmosphere will be awful because thats how she functions, but a bit of me thinks 'f**k it'.

I think she may be insecure as I was made redundant from a fairly senior role (and more senior than her) so took this job which is pretty junior. I'm not fussed about that in the least, but I did challenge her today when she sent a colleague who I manage on a training course she has already done recently and doesnt need to do again. When I pointed out that there was no need to do the course, the boss lost her temper, insisted the colleague went anyway and then sulked all morning.

Then she dropped the change of hours on us Grin

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 01/04/2011 23:49

Hmm. I think you're right. I'd do it carefully so it comes across as though it's her idea Wink

Original poster
follyfoot · 01/04/2011 23:59

Will have a bash at saying no tactfully Belle, thank you Smile

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 02/04/2011 00:11

I hope it all works out OK. Be careful with her, she thinks you're after her job.

goodbyemrschips · 02/04/2011 07:52

I hope it all works out for you, but the bad news is any boss can can your hours to whatever they want and give you 13 weeks notice. There has to be formal meetings etc but they can do it.

I know it has been done to me.

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