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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Mocked by manager for way I walk

209 replies

cannotbelievethistoday · 15/02/2018 17:07

My manager (think small store part of bigger company with lots of stores) was describing me as forthright in my speech. I was taking this onboard when he then proceeded to imitate how I am forthright and overphysical when I walk and over-acted me walking to the back office and flinging open the door in an over dramatic manner.

I have cerebral palsy. This is how I walk.

I burst out crying and ran out.

Mumsnet I need your wisdom. I think this is wrong and upsetting. Am I being unreasonable?

(Be gentle am still crying)

OP posts:
Knittedfairies · 15/02/2018 17:19

He needs educating; definitely report him to HR. I hope you realise by now that this man is completely out of line, and you have every right to be upset....and angry. Let us know how HR deals with this throwback.

reddingtn · 15/02/2018 17:19

Doesn't matter if you've worked with them for less than two years. Discrimination and bully are excluded, so they can't fire you. If they do you could have a hefty compensation claim.

Perfectly1mperfect · 15/02/2018 17:19

It's not a problem that you have worked for them for less than 2 years. This person was wrong and should be made to see that. Sorry that you are upset and that he acted so inappropriately. He's a vile human being.

Topseyt · 15/02/2018 17:20

I think you have to report it somehow. Arseholes like him need pulled up sharply on their behaviour, or it will just continue and might get worse.

Is he aware of your cerebral palsy? Even worse if he is, although nothing excuses this sort of behaviour.

FrancisCrawford · 15/02/2018 17:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Notevilstepmother · 15/02/2018 17:21

m.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1859

Original poster
cannotbelievethistoday · 15/02/2018 17:21

Thanks everyone. You have reassured me I wasn’t wrong to be upset. It’s crazy how you doubt yourself.

In answer to the questions, is it obvious. I have a prounnced limp and my left foot drags a bit along the floor. I am fine and cope very well. I would just never win awards as a ballerina!

OP posts:
reddingtn · 15/02/2018 17:21

Do you have a union?

SandyY2K · 15/02/2018 17:22

You don't need more than 2 years to lodge a disability discrimination claim.

Same applies to racial or sexual discrimination.

5foot5 · 15/02/2018 17:24

That is really bad. If this is a large company I feel sure they must have a "Dignity at Work" policy or something similar.

Definitely put it in the hands of HR. He needs some retraining at the very least.

Fintress · 15/02/2018 17:26

Yes, he has made a joke about the computer being a “spastic” when it doesn’t work which I have asked him not to do.

That on it's own is disgusting but what he did to you today is beyond the pale. Do not let him get away with it. As an aside a colleague of my daughter has been severely disciplined for using the term spastic when arguing with someone in the workplace.

Notevilstepmother · 15/02/2018 17:27

I’m sorry but “didn’t know” or “doesn’t have social skills” is absolutely totally utterly no excuse for his behaviour. I’m shocked that anyone would even say that.

I’m speaking as someone with Aspergers btw.

WhatIsGoingOnNow · 15/02/2018 17:28

Definitely going against HR policies - I would definitely report - it’s not on at all

LondonHereICome · 15/02/2018 17:29

Can I ask what the area managers involvement is for?

HR should be able to help you more. Is area manager your managers line manager?

Notevilstepmother · 15/02/2018 17:30

I also don’t see why she should speak to him about it when he has been so horrible.

meredintofpandiculation · 15/02/2018 17:30

I have a prounnced limp and my left foot drags a bit along the floor. Did he mimic the limp? I was wondering if he'd just momentarily forgotten - when you see a lot of a person you see Olivia not Olivia-who-has-cerebral-palsy. But if he mimicked your limp, then clearly he didn't momentarily forget.

JaniceBattersby · 15/02/2018 17:31

In my workplace someone who publicly mocked a disabled person would be sacked. And rightly so.

This is terrible OP. What an awful person he must be.

TwitterQueen1 · 15/02/2018 17:32

You poor thing! What a total numbskull he was...
As others have said, the amount of time you've been there is irrelevant.

This is a massive HR violation so you're absolutely right to go to them for advice and help. Don't let your store manager (or anyone else) minimise this or laugh it off. People need to learn what is and isn't acceptable.

Well done for taking this further.

OutyMcOutface · 15/02/2018 17:32

Well he was mocking your disability-report him to HR. It's really not ok.

itsmeimcathyivecomehome · 15/02/2018 17:32

He's a disgusting fucking dickhead and I really hope you get HR to educate him. Maybe sack him.

Flowers OP.

BruceFoxton · 15/02/2018 17:32

Equality Act has been broached here. Take the bastard to the cleaners

monkeywithacowface · 15/02/2018 17:33

What an arsehole. I wouldn't give him the benefit of a discussion first, straight to HR and report him.

AdalindSchade · 15/02/2018 17:33

Jax that's terrible advice! Op don't try to deal with this yourself

Chocolatesaveslives · 15/02/2018 17:34

That's terrible!

Be kind to yourself tonight, make a nice cup of tea or a glass of wine, whatever your vice is, you deserve a pick me up after that bullying behaviour.

ilovesooty · 15/02/2018 17:35

That is utterly appalling and he should face disciplinary action for that.

Report both instances.

I'm so, so sorry you're distressed.