AIBU to be upset and annoyed by voicemail

[YaWeeShit]

I am currently furloughed but been in work for the past couple of weeks to prepare for re-opening - not a problem at all, I am happy to volunteer.

My employer rang me today and left a voicemail - then didn’t hang up correctly so I could hear her criticising me to a colleague. I am mortified, and feel incredibly angry that the texts I’ve had thanking me for helping clearly don’t mean a thing. I struggle with mental health issues and this has really tipped me over the edge.

So. As I’m not sure if I’m over reacting due to my anxiety, I’m braving AIBU - which granted may backfire spectacularly but I surely can’t feel worse than I do now

If that was me in your shoes I would make a complaint, it's not on

What was she saying exactly? What a cow! Sorry OP. Maybe she’s stressed and it isn’t really a genuine reflection - it sounds like you’ve been going Above and beyond to help, she should be grateful!

There’s no one to complain to - it’s a small company. The person who technically deals with things like this is also furloughed, plus she is best mates with our employer and past experience has shown that they just get together for a gossip and nothing is ever made formal.

I would be confronting her immediately. Save the voicemail.

What did she say?

That's absolutely not on and unprofessional of your boss. Like above, I would make a complaint, or have word with your employer and explain how you feel. Not overreacting

What did she actually say?

Under the furlough scheme you are not permitted to do any work for your employer whether you agree it is 'volunteering' or not. You can report them for misuse of the scheme

@YaWeeShit this would really upset me too! Especially with anxiety about what people think. What exactly did she say? Could it have been more of a whinge that a criticism of you??

You are not allowed to "volunteer" at your workplace if you have been furloughed. Wonder what part of that your employer did not know?

I knew the first thing people would ask is “what did she say” - I’m really sorry to be one of ‘those’ posters but I really can’t repeat it - it’s too painful.

I’d love to say you should confront her too but realise it’s easier said than done.

Sorry you are dealing with this, OP. My workplace is rife with backstabbers who are overly nice to your face but slag you off the second your back’s turned. It’s awful.

@YaWeeShit

I knew the first thing people would ask is “what did she say” - I’m really sorry to be one of ‘those’ posters but I really can’t repeat it - it’s too painful.

Was it a personal comment, or about the quality of your work?

And what do you mean by volunteering? Are you doing work whilst being on furlough? That's not how the scheme works...

I'm really sorry you had to hear those comments. That sounds sounds really upsetting - no one ever enjoys being talked about behind their back.

You are NOT overreacting. What a bitch.

Hang onto that voicemail message. I wouldn’t say anything but would ask to meet up with her for whatever work related reason. Then you play that message and say “Anything you’d like to say about that?” and watch her squirm.

Do not delete that message under any circumstances.

if they are asking you to volunteer, as others have said, that's illegal

report to HMRC

Resign and ACAS -constructive dismissal. Play voice mail and record it using another phone -do not lose it. You have more than enough to go for constructive dismissal. Else talk to ACAS first and gain some advice -you might and should see a GP -if it has made you anxious etc and is causing you anxiety.

Then report for misuse of the scheme.

It was both personal and work related. I knew there was something up as when I rang voicemail it said the message lasted 4 minutes. I listened to the actual message first and hung up. But then realised that the message was supposed to last 4 minutes, so replayed it. I have saved it.

I really don’t think I’m strong enough to confront her. My other employer is her husband, so kind of stuck.

Re the volunteering - they have been very careful not to ask people specifically- more a plea to see if anyone can do certain things. Is that allowed?

@YaWeeShit

I knew the first thing people would ask is “what did she say” - I’m really sorry to be one of ‘those’ posters but I really can’t repeat it - it’s too painful.

I voted YABU on that basis then.

If no-one knows whether the criticism was just and deserved, there's nothing much anyone here can say.

What she said might be relevant if you want to take it further e.g. if she made disparaging comments relating to your mental health given this could potentially be disability discrimination.

ACAS can be very helpful by phone and some areas have employment law helpline. Not that you have to do anything but if you know more about where you stand you can be more assertive in getting your work to deal with it.

Bemorechicken I have contacted my GP and asked for a chat (can’t get appointment) as I was already struggling really badly through lockdown, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that this is simply more than I can cope with.

I don’t think I can claim constructive dismissal, I haven’t been there long enough.

How long have you been there OP?

I would download it onto a file and email it to her and the MD. it doesn’t matter who she is to him

In a paid capacity a little under a year. As a volunteer, around 3 years.

I think you should message them and say you got their voicemail and simply add that they didn’t hang up properly and so you heard what was said after. Don’t offer anymore then that. That is enough to make them squirm. They should be the ones feeling bad. Not you.

People are cruel.

You shouldn’t have been in work the past couple of weeks if you are furloughed - it’s fraud.

There is no “volunteering” - you work for the company and get paid, you’re currently on furlough, so you cannot do any work for them whatsoever.