About my job/working conditions?

[Fearfulnamechange]

I need some perspective about my working conditions and environment. I'm really unhappy, probably on the verge of being signed off. But I'm not sure if it's me, or my employer is being shit. Firstly, I'm not suggesting that this is the worst job in the world or that there aren't worse employer.

I work for a large trade union, previously worked in the industry that is supported by this trade union. I work advising members who call or email for advice on employment, contracts etc. We also do some other legal contract work. Some of things that has led to me feeling so mentally unwell, most of which started when a new manage was brought in with a call centre background in the private sector:

-we must log every minute of our day. We have software which is linked to phone system. If we need the toilet we have to enter a code, breaks another code, lunch another code. These times are saved as well as how long you spend typing up noted after a call. I was recently reprimanded for going 30 secs over my break (sometimes I don't even take one!)

-there is a divide in staff, encouraged by management where some people who are mates with managers get treated favourably, and others not.

-we have had several changes in recent months, all delivered as a fair comple with no consultation. This includes a change to the way we report sickness, change to amount of time on phone vs email and other work, we are moving to a whole new building 3 miles away which has very little public transport access, the way lateness is calculated. If you attend a course far away and could have returned for the last 30 min of the day, you have to take it as flexi time.

-several members of staff placed on capability, even though the union has no capability policy.

-we have a strict seating plan, we get no say in where we sit. You cannot move to an empty desk without permission.

• the manager makes a note of who attends our own union meetings (as the one we belong to as staff). Manager has been seen 'spying' and listening into a union meeting without making it known. People who attend union meetings or challenge any changes, are treated negatively and told they are being unreasonable.

-some staff (ie the ones management don't like or see as 'troublemakers') are glares at with teacher stares of they talk to other staff - about work (we often have queries that need a little consultation with other staff).

-in the past staff have been shouted at like naughty children in open plan office.

There is so much more, but this is already so long. I'm looking for other work, but it isn't that simple. Many staff have had periods off with work related stress and mental health problems. But they manage to say that it is these people, not the environment. Basically the management buddies just say they think it's fine so anyone else is ignored.

So I is this just standard? I should point out we aren't a call centre with scripts. We advise on employment law, we speak to people who have cancer, who are bereaved, being made redundant, bullied at work, disciplinary.

AIBU, is this all standard working conditions?

Employers don't care how you get to work. So with only a change of 3 miles some people may need to explore new methods of transport, bicycle, car share, moped, walk or look for new employment. Change can be a good thing

I'm not suggesting they don't move office. But those people who don't drive are now just forced without any consultation to than get job? There aren't millions of jobs out there just to walk into.

That does sound like an awful working environment & micro managing management culture, and ironic as you help clients with employment issues yourself

However if it’s taking you to the point of being suicidal, you need to leave NOW. You need to get another job ASAP - doesn’t matter if it’s a side step or not that appealing

If you’re finding it difficult to get a new job then you either have a poor cv layout or don’t interview well - both of which can be worked on

You need to channel your energy and hate of your job into securing a new job - you need to protect your mental health

Well this is quite ironic.

Sounds like a call centre I worked at.
Logged on at 9am.
Took calls etc.
If you needed to add something to the notes on the booking or do an amend etc, you needed to go on 'wrap'. This meant no more calls would come through until you came off 'wrap'. 90 seconds was the 'allowed' wrap time. It took far longer than that but we had a countdown clock on our screens that ticked down and when it got to 45 seconds it went amber, 25 seconds to go it flashed red. It was utterly soul destroying.
In the end most people would simply make a note on a piece of paper of the booking reference and do all the notes etc on their lunch break ir stay late.
Then there were 'loo wraps'. Two minutes was the allowed time and if you took longer, a Team Leader would call you in for a 'Wrap Supervision'.

It is more finding jobs for which I am qualified and also pay enough to cover our outgoings. When I left my profession I was well paid and we cut back. I currently paid less but we get by- just. No holidays, no meals out, no takeaway, no treats etc. But mortgage and bills paid..

Jobs advertised either seem to be entry level which I'd be happy to do, but low paid 16-18k or requiring experience I haven't got and therefore 25-30k (which is more like what I need). I saw a 'Senior' row advertised at 24k last week, that required specific qualifications and at least 3 years specific experience.

I'm not choosey what I do but I can't put us in a situation where we lose our house. We have zero savings. I also see loads of jobs for London, but hardly any for this little part of Yorkshire.

Sorry to read about your situation and your feelings about it. I imagine your job would be relatively stressful anyway, without the oppressive management style that is making you and colleagues so unhappy.
Productivity is lauded above everything these days, but how productive is it when employees feel so miserable their health is threatened?
There has to be an impact on staff turnover and sickness levels.
I think this sort of culture is becoming more and more commonplace so when job searching look carefully. You'll find something else. In the end, I think voting with your feet will be the best option.

Update your CV, LinkedIn profile and start looking for new job or 2 smaller jobs. It's always easier to find a job when you are already working. There is alot of competition for jobs, perhaps you could find one with different hours that pays more? You have to put the time and effort into looking yourself. Don't be put off by not getting the first job that you apply for. I would suggest not leaving your current job until you have found a new job, because the bills will keep arriving!

Sounds horrendous. Find a new job.

Many years ago a former boss suggested that the worst employers were employee groups (such as trade unions). The OP bears this out.