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AIBU?

To want to be able to go to the toilet occasionally whilst at work?

94 replies

CattyBrown · 05/02/2013 07:58

I work afternoons and during the morning before I start work and also during my 10 minute break I tend to drink quite a bit of water, it's something that I have always done.

My supervisor however does not like anyone going to the toilet during shift time (IF I do go, I go when it is very quite and there is no work whatsoever to do). She always makes sly digs about how I should go on my break etc.

As long am I am not abusing the situation and going 6-7 times a shift, am I right in thinking that I should be allowed to go the toilet without being questioned and made to feel like a naughty schoolgirl?

OP posts:

Report

BuntyPenfold · 05/02/2013 23:31

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.

MumVsKids · 05/02/2013 23:46

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

Bloody nightmare :(

joanofarchitrave · 05/02/2013 23:53

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.

Sparrows12 · 06/02/2013 08:29

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.

Earthymama · 06/02/2013 08:33

Sparrows12, so true. . .so sad.

SPBInDisguise · 06/02/2013 12:20

Bunty I thought ratios were applied across the whole building?

BuntyPenfold · 06/02/2013 20:38

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

CattyBrown · 06/02/2013 21:23

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.

OP posts:

CattyBrown · 06/02/2013 21:30

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.

OP posts:

SPBInDisguise · 06/02/2013 21:48

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

RainbowsFriend · 06/02/2013 22:57

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!

Dizzybintess · 02/09/2016 00:13

I used to work for a company that did this they would go one step further and send an email to the whole team to state how much time per day you had spent on the loo. I had IBS at the time and the stress of these emails made things ten times worse. Horrific practice.
I worked for a very well known insurance company!

PurpleDaisies · 02/09/2016 00:24

This was THREE YEARS AGO.

ZOMBIE ALERT.

brasty · 02/09/2016 00:32

Unfortunately people are wrong. Outside breaks you have no legal right in England and Wales to go to the toilet when at work. The exception is if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
And this is an issue for many people in low paid jobs.

PickledCauliflower · 02/09/2016 00:50

A wee break takes a couple of minutes. Quick wee takes a minute and a hand wash takes a minute - unless you go missing for ages - it's ridiculous to take issue with this.
I drink lots of water and have lots of wees. I feel better for doing this as I just feel more energised when I'm hydrated. If an employer took issue with this - they must be running some sort of sweat shop.

PickledCauliflower · 02/09/2016 00:55

If you have no legal right to go for a wee - you could always just pee yourself at your work station.
I know that sounds flippant but if you need to go, go. Holding on to putrid wee is not good for your health.

HelenaDove · 02/09/2016 01:16

I have a bit of an overactive bladder and if i was in this situation it would be a major problem for me.

I know this is a zombie but someone in this situ could say to their employer.

"if you dont expect your kids or your pets to piss or shit to order why are you expecting me to"

Failing that they could bring in a litter tray and fill it with litter and put it by their workstation. They would probably only have to use it once to get the point across.

brasty · 02/09/2016 01:21

I am not saying it is right. But I have worked in a factory production line where no, I couldn't just go to the toilet whenever I wanted to.

HelenaDove · 02/09/2016 01:29

No wonder TENA Lady are doing so well

Dizzybintess · 02/09/2016 13:01

Sorry to bring a zombie thread back
Even though I left the job 5 years ago it's something that still upsets me to this day and apparently they have become even more ridiculous about it all..... Asshats

gandalf456 · 02/09/2016 13:05

What happens if you have the shits?

brasty · 02/09/2016 14:11

You ring in sick.

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rosesarered9 · 02/09/2016 18:15

YANBU but just to shut her up try to stick to 100ml of water and other drinks per hour.

HelenaDove · 02/09/2016 18:22

brasty something like the shits cant always start to suit a timetable. An illness and/or bad tummy might not start until the person is already at work.

If companies are going to do this.........contributing to kidney and bowel problems then tax them more and contribute the money to the NHS so the companies can contribute to the treatment of health problems they have helped to cause!

riceuten · 02/09/2016 18:23

It's unreasonable to refuse you access

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg293.pdf

I would be interested to hear if someone thinks they are above the law in not allowing this

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