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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think work have no right to tell me what I can and can't do on my day off

109 replies

Ellybellyboo · 27/05/2016 08:31

DH runs a smallish local business. There's the business owner (who is never there), DH, his colleague Jane (not her real name) and an apprentice.

Yesterday the business owner had to talk to Jane about her behaviour at work (always late, 4 hour lunch breaks, etc), but it didn't go very well. Jane got very upset and walked out.

DH is having a new machine delivered today. The apprentice it at college today, the business owner is away so DH is on his own and it will all be a bit manic

I had booked a day off for today ages ago. Long weekend, wanted to decorate my dining room, make some new curtains, etc, but in light of the above I said to DH I'd go in when the machine arrived and answer the phone, deal with customers and just help out a bit.

Was chatting yesterday afternoon at work and my boss asked me what I was planning for my long weekend. I said about best laid plans and all that, and that I was now going to help DH at work for a couple of hours.

Just before I left last night my boss took me to one said and informed that I wouldn't be allowed to work with my DH today. It's against company policy for employees to work for someone else during their employment and would be subject to a disciplinary

AIBU to think this is ridiculous overkill for me helping out my husband for a couple of hours and they can bugger off and mind their own business

I have checked my company handbook and there's no mention of it that I can find. Only stuff about not working with direct competitors within 3 months of leaving

OP posts:
VinoTime · 27/05/2016 10:02

Your boss is being a twat and hitting you with his 'I'm the manager!' ego stick.

Ignore him and let HR deal with him.

Buckinbronco · 27/05/2016 10:04

That makes no sense. So I work 36 hours for my employer and 20 at the local pub. What can the employer do to keep me within the working time directive?

Balletgirlmum · 27/05/2016 10:04

I know. But there is a lot of misinformation

BadLad · 27/05/2016 10:06

He sounds very bosstitled.

madamginger · 27/05/2016 10:08

I volunteer at my children's school a couple of times a month and I'm on the PTA. If my employer told me I couldn't I'd laugh in their face. My free time is my own and they don't get to dictate what I do with it. Luckily they are great and even donate the odd thing if I ask.

inlovewithhubby · 27/05/2016 10:09

Buckin - makes total sense as it's the law. Both employers should keep track of your collective hours and/or ensure you've signed an opt out. The law is designed to protect employees and workers from exploitation. If you choose to breach it, as many do, you sign an opt out and then it's on you, not your employer(s).

toastedandbuttered · 27/05/2016 10:09

I meant 'volunteering' like what op is doing - of course doing brownies etc is different

Original poster
Ellybellyboo · 27/05/2016 10:12

He's fine with it? He should be bloody grateful!

Grin. He is!

Someone left them in the lurch yesterday, the business owner is about to hop on a plane, they could have cancelled the delivery but it would mean waiting another 6 weeks for the machine, DH really wants it ASAP and it would have been difficult for him there on his own so asked me if I could help him out for a couple of hours as I was off. I said yes. Sorted.

The insurance is not a problem and the business is nothing that needs extensive training for. I can take a message as well as the next person Grin

HR has emailed me. The clauses that my boss was talking about aren't relevant to me so it's fine. Boss does have those clauses as he's more senior than me so I'm assuming he's mistaken rather than being difficult.

But yes, will keep mouth shut in future. We have a fairly relaxed atmosphere in the office, usually chit chat about what's what with each other and it's not unusual to talk about what we're getting up to at the weekend/when we're on leave but will think twice in future

Thanks!

OP posts:
EveryoneElsie · 27/05/2016 10:12

How would he know if you went back on Monday and said you were bungee jumping, or hang gliding, or something instead? Grin

BeautifulMaudOHara · 27/05/2016 10:13

It's none of their business

LurkingHusband · 27/05/2016 10:14

It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission Grin ...

carabos · 27/05/2016 10:22

Everyone One of my colleagues at aforementioned estate agents property consultants did a dangerous sport. She didn't do it very well and a consequence was often off work with fairly serious injuries. The firm asked her to stop doing it, she said no and there was nothing they could do about it. Her next job was with a Govt dept. Same thing happened and she was sacked. Different employment contract. Bungee jumping or hang-gliding might actually be worse than working elsewhere!

Mirandawest · 27/05/2016 10:23

How is doing ie Brownies any different? If a brownie leader goes away on camp at the weekend they're not likely to be rested when they come back.

EveryoneElsie · 27/05/2016 10:24

OP is not actually bungee jumping. Confused

Original poster
Ellybellyboo · 27/05/2016 10:29

I think the injury concern was why they tried to stop RNLI colleague.

He'd been doing it for years, and they knew he volunteered when they employed him so they didn't really have any legs to stand on. They only thing they could do is refuse to release him during working hours, which is fair enough I guess.

There's definitely no clauses about bungee jumping or hang gliding. I'll tell them that's what I'll be doing on my next day off Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Ellybellyboo · 27/05/2016 10:30

I used to be a Rainbow leader when my children were younger. Definitely less restful than a couple of hours at DH's work!

OP posts:
Buckinbronco · 27/05/2016 10:39

Interesting... I have never worked for a company who have monitored that (standard clause in contract to inform them but then we're all signed out of the away directive like most organisations)

Balletgirlmum · 27/05/2016 10:46

What they could do is to refuse to pay company sick pay for any injury related time off.

Lynnm63 · 27/05/2016 10:48

I hope none of your managers or directors etc ever need rescuing by RNLI OP. Pity they can't be outed on social media about it.

Balletgirlmum · 27/05/2016 10:49

The WTD says that if you have more than one job you shouldn't work more than 48 hours a week in average. If you do you need to sign an opt out agreement. There are certain jobs eg drivers, airline staff etc who are not allowed to opt out.

OOAOML · 27/05/2016 10:56

We are supposed to notify the company if we're taking on paid employment - in case there is a conflict. But they actively encourage volunteering and give extra leave for it.

AugustaFinkNottle · 27/05/2016 11:02

Personally I wouldn't want my team working/volunteering while on leave. I want them to rest and have personal time so they are rested and well and fit for work again

Seriously, toasted? I take it therefore that you object to them doing anything like spots, taking their children out anywhere that requires energy, helping their relatives redecorate or move house, going for a long walk etc etc etc? Because you do know that that may mean they're not having a rest, don't you?

AugustaFinkNottle · 27/05/2016 11:08

sports not spots!

chipmonkey · 27/05/2016 11:10

toasted, I am paid to work 32 hours per week. If my boss wants to dictate to me what I do outside of those hours she can pay me for 168 hours.

RiverTam · 27/05/2016 11:18

toasted you know that it's half term next week, plenty of parents will be taking paid leave to look after their children, which probably won't be the least bit relaxing and in fact could be a lot more exhausting that their actual job. Are you going to tell your team they can't do that with their leave?

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