Difficult work situation.

[GrandDesespoir]

My current boss started his new post in September. Since then he has taken part of my job away from me to do himself (causing me to lose a significant amount of income), not bothered to attend my appraisal, and I have now discovered (from social media) that he has hired two of his close friends to work in his department. I suspect - but do not know - that these jobs were not advertised, as I have been keeping a close eye on vacancies in this sector.

I have spoken to the CEO about the first issue, but WIBU to also speak to someone about the nepotism, or would I be putting myself in a risky position by doing so?

Absolutely go to the CEO - join a union - do whatever you can, but don't just suck it up. Are people allowed to remove part of your job and your income like that? What kind of a contract are you on? See a lawyer.

It's basically a zero-hours contract. Pretty shit.

Re. the nepotism, I'm concerned about being seen as a trouble-maker.

It sounds like he is elbowing you out anyway, so what have you got to lose?
OTOH, you have a lot to gain by things being done properly, so yes, I would go to whoever is the manager above him, or HR, or whoever the right person is in the organisation.

I'd try to do it in a 'Where does the company advertise jobs?' way to start, rather than starting with .... "...and Bob has also done X, Y, Z" which makes it sound like a personal vendetta.

I'd try to do it in a 'Where does the company advertise jobs?' way to start, rather than starting with .... "...and Bob has also done X, Y, Z" which makes it sound like a personal vendetta.

That certainly makes sense and sounding like I have a personal vendetta is exactly what I want to avoid, but when I get the answer to the question about advertising what do I say next? How do I make the leap to informing someone what's going on without "telling tales"?

I'd have thought a 'puzzled look', then 'Oh, I've been looking out for jobs and didn't see the advert, which is why I was a bit surprised when "Fred" was appointed, as I hadn't seen it advertised - I was wondering if I had missed the advert. It puts the issue into their minds.

I'd have thought a 'puzzled look', then 'Oh, I've been looking out for jobs and didn't see the advert, which is why I was a bit surprised when "Fred" was appointed, as I hadn't seen it advertised - I was wondering if I had missed the advert. It puts the issue into their minds.

Is that not a bit subtle?!

Well, depends on the Manager. We can't tell that, only you can. They might not pick up on anything or they might.
You can still go back the following week and say that "Dave" also seems to have been appointed without the job being advertised, so now you are wondering what might be going on, and can you ask them to investigate please, as, for it to happen twice seems strange to you.

Thanks, @BackforGood :)

I agree with the above

You need to say you are looking for more permanent hours and wondered where the jobs were advertised - if there are any currently advertised and if you can be considered if any become available?? Only you noticed a few new employees and wondered when the jobs can up??

You don't have to advertise jobs, though. I don't think approaching the problem from that angle will work.

If the appraisal went well, then I think you'd be better pointing out that you are underused at the moment, as you mentioned to the CEO your job has reduced so you have more time, (and then if there is a sector you want to get in to) mention that 'which would give me more time to work/learn/train in superhighpaying skill with permanent contract which is a real interest of mine'

It's not great practice to not advertise jobs, as it can mean that you can end up with an identikit workforce - people tend to hire workers like themselves in these circumstances. If he's dragged in workers from the same firm - and that company is not doing well, for instance - then the working practices being brought in to the company are not likely to be good.

If he's dragged in workers from the same firm - and that company is not doing well, for instance - then the working practices being brought in to the company are not likely to be good.

He's hiring all his uni mates.

Public sector jobs have to be publicly advertised and recruitment managed competitively in a fair and open process because that is what ensures that taxpayers are getting value for money. Private businesses have no such obligation. If they don't want a fair and open recruitment policy they do not have to have one. They can create jobs for their mates and relatives if they wish. Obviously a well-managed organisation wants the best person for the job but there is no obligation to force this.

The only legislation that restricts this is anti-discrimination legislation - if a company is exclusively hiring university mates that are straight white males with no disabilities then they could be accused of discrimination. Do you think you are being discriminated against on the basis of a protected characteristic?