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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To quit my temp job?

12 replies

KittyLane1 · 29/12/2013 10:43

Dh works full time, I work part time. I got a part time Xmas temp job in a cool fashion retail shop in November, I applied not expecting to get it and was thrilled when I was offered the hours I wanted.

However the job has been hellish from day one. Manager is unbelievably horrid, doesn't talk to you unless its to shout or criticise. Everyone walks in eggshells around her.
Long days on your feet, no break, no toilet breaks (toilets are u 4 flights of stairs so can't just nip to the loo) no talking whilst you work. Pay is around a penny above minimum wage.

As a temp I was given no training and put out of the floor to deal with customer enquiries, which of course I couldn't do.

That was just a rant sorry, the main issue is I have had a chest infection since Friday, I worked through it on Friday but yesterday I was too ill so called in sick, assistant manager was fine.
Today I'm worse, I phoned up in plenty of time and the manager answered. As soon as I said my name she went urgh and hung up!

What do I do now?? It's only a temp job, one that I hate. I have a job so I'm not relying on it I just wanted extra Xmas money. Do I phone back? Do I quit on the phone? Do I just not turn up? (As far as I'm concerned I gave called in sick today)

I just wish I had never applied to them :(

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 29/12/2013 10:47

She's attempting to bully you.

I don't know how beaten down you are already but have you considered standing up for yourself? Calling back and breezily saying. 'Gosh I think we got cut off, just calling to let you know I'm calling in sick'.
And saying 'I'm off to the loo ' when you need to go - not asking permission, just leaving the floor.

LaurieFairyCake · 29/12/2013 10:48

Isn't it better for them to fire you than you quit?

I'm only thinking that because you might be able to claim JSA afterwards?

Original poster
KittyLane1 · 29/12/2013 10:54

I don't need benefits as I said I already work. I only took this job because I like the clothes and I wanted extra Xmas money.

As for just saying in off to the loo, no, you must stay in the section you are put it. I was in section x and the manager stormed over and demanded to know why section y was so messy....when I said its not my section she told me to stop being cheeky! I'm a grown adult not a schoolgirl!

OP posts:
Iamsparklyknickers · 29/12/2013 10:56

You could give a weeks notice and then call in sick for it (remember you need a dr's note for anything over 7 consecutive days but you'll get that no problem for a chest infection) that way you don't risk any money that you're owed and keep on the right side of right if you do need a reference or there are any issues with your pay.

I'd personally also email HR and put a complaint in about the manager although be aware handing in your notice effectively means that nothing will be done (I was told this once by ACAS, but don't know how correct that is tbh).

happybubblebrain · 29/12/2013 11:02

I would stay and try and make the manager's life a nightmare until she sacks you, then threatened to take them to court for unfair dismissal. Do it all with a smile and don't take it too seriously. They've been horrible to you, payback time.

happybubblebrain · 29/12/2013 11:02

*threaten

LaurieFairyCake · 29/12/2013 11:04

No, you don't have to stay in the section you are put in Confused

You're an ADULT, you get to decide when you go for a pee.

There are some circs when you might need to tell someone, like if you worked in ICU but this is a shop.

LaurieFairyCake · 29/12/2013 11:06

and of course you can quit if you don't need the money and it's shit Smile

But I find not standing up for yourself has far more negative effects on self esteem.

So complain about her, tell her to stop being rude to you, go to the loo when you need to.

Original poster
KittyLane1 · 29/12/2013 11:07

I really don't want to call back, its my word against hers. If I don't go in for my shift today (which I can't because I'm ill) what's likely to happen? After this shift I only have one more before my contract ends anyway, I'm tempted to just not turn up.

Out of 8 temps taken on 3 quit due to bad working conditions. I know I sound pathetic and moany but I can't express how horrible it is in there

OP posts:
petal2008 · 29/12/2013 12:23

I would just phone tomorrow and say you are sick and not going back. You do not have to say why. If you got the job through an agency then do it through them if you can.

I would then email their HR and outline all the issues you had: lack of training, loo breaks and other breaks you should have had.

I had this issue last year, not in retail, but in a call centre for a heating breakdown company. It was through an agency. I did a week and then said I had issues there and wasnt going back. I was lucky that I didnt have to claim benefits so I spent the time I would have been there applying for other jobs. Hope it works out for you. Life's too short to be in a crappy job if you don't need it.

I'd definitely report though, it may stop some other poor sod having to put up with the terrible conditions.

FrysChocolateCream · 29/12/2013 12:26

Yes for godsake do contact HR and report this horrible manager. (When you've left Grin.

CiderBomb · 29/12/2013 12:29

If it's only an Xmas job then I'd tell them to shove it up their arse, but that's just me.

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