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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Employer telling us not to go out to restaurants and bars?

204 replies

RootsnAll · 14/09/2020 12:54

We’ve been told by the head of our department that we aren’t to go out to restaurants or bars as that’s where Covid is being spread the most. Obviously I understand the reasoning behind but surely they can’t tell us what to do/not do in our spare time? AIBU?

We’ve worked throughout the pandemic in the office as our work is essential but we wear masks constantly (unless eating or drinking away from others) and keep socially distanced at all times. Lots of hand washing and hand sanitising. Not in a job that involves visiting or seeing other people outside of the department.

Not sure if I’m being unreasonable feeling fed up being told what to do? I keep to the gov rules etc but going out for a drink with my husband is such a nice break after a hectic week at work. Sad

OP posts:
OpenlyGayExOlympicFencer · 15/09/2020 20:37

I wouldn't trust either the government or Wetherspoons.

SurroundedByIdiotsEverywhere · 15/09/2020 20:37

What you do outside work is for you to decide... Just don't be one of 'those' people that post their 'boring, look at me look -at me photo's' on insta, FB or twatter...

KatherineJaneway · 15/09/2020 22:24

They can ask or advise you, they cannot dictate that you cannot go to a bar or restaurant in your free time.

If you go out, ensure that if you post on Facebook or similar, it is only seen by people you implicitly trust.

Devora13 · 16/09/2020 00:01

I think it's laughable employers trying to enforce such a policy (if it is a policy) given the number of employers who were quite happy to encourage the spread of infectious diseases pre Covid, by insisting employees come into work, for fear of losing their jobs, when they had a viral infection that could easily be passed to colleagues, including those with underlying health conditions.

Notfeelinggreattoday · 16/09/2020 00:05

Are they also telling you to not go shopping or visit anyone as you can catch it anywhere realistically may be higher chances in some
Places but anywhere carries a small risk

KatherineJaneway · 16/09/2020 07:53

It's about individuals taking as few risks as possible.

It is about individuals making a choice for themselves within the guidelines. I choose to go to the gym, I choose to go to the office one day a week, I am off to a bar and a restaurant tonight. You have no right to tell me what I can and can't do and what is and is not essential.

You live your life, I'll live mine.

PeterWeg · 16/09/2020 10:47

If your employer makes it a condition of employment, then yes they can tell you what to do in your own time and yes they can sack you for it.

Many people are sacked for actions outside work. Social media is a biggie, lots of people sacked for comments on SM at my previous job.

SerendipityJane · 16/09/2020 11:26

If your employer makes it a condition of employment, then yes they can tell you what to do in your own time and yes they can sack you for it.

So a clause saying you can't drink alcohol ?

Or wear red ?

Or buy Israeli goods ?

Hmm
LearnedResponse · 16/09/2020 11:42

When it comes to restaurants it’s not just the risk of catching it, (and possibly passing it on to colleagues/customers) it’s the additional risk of Track and Trace requiring you to self-isolate and stay off work for a fortnight. That’s not a risk you take when you go shopping.

As I said upthread, if the OP were working in a life-or-death critical setting where staffing levels were hanging by a thread then as a manager I’d probably make an appeal to her conscience to go above and beyond what I could formally require. However in this case it sounds like her manager is just an arse so he can go whistle.

PurpleDaisies · 16/09/2020 11:50

As I said upthread, if the OP were working in a life-or-death critical setting where staffing levels were hanging by a thread then as a manager I’d probably make an appeal to her conscience to go

If they’re working in that setting, they’re probably going above and beyond every day. They deserve their meal out.

OpenlyGayExOlympicFencer · 16/09/2020 12:37

@PeterWeg

If your employer makes it a condition of employment, then yes they can tell you what to do in your own time and yes they can sack you for it.

Many people are sacked for actions outside work. Social media is a biggie, lots of people sacked for comments on SM at my previous job.

Depends very much on what the condition is. Just because something is in a contract doesn't make it enforceable.
MrsKeats · 16/09/2020 12:43

Absolutely howling at the idea that Wetherspoons is
A) A reasonable place to go
B) That they are a reasonable source of information
C) That they give a shit about their staff or customers

CloudsCanLookLikeSheep · 16/09/2020 13:00

@PeterWeg

If your employer makes it a condition of employment, then yes they can tell you what to do in your own time and yes they can sack you for it.

Many people are sacked for actions outside work. Social media is a biggie, lots of people sacked for comments on SM at my previous job.

They can, but they'd likely lose an unfair dismissal claim at tribunal
Xenia · 16/09/2020 13:09

As Serendity implies it will depend on the rule. Eg they can say no cannabis in your free time and do regular drug tests. In one case the Post Office was allowed to sack football hooligans for activities at weekends.In another case one worker on a plane gave a random passenger next to her oral sex (!!!!) and I think they were both sacked for bring disrepute on the company.

ivykaty44 · 16/09/2020 13:23

Xenia your examples are illegal activities, your boss can stipulate in your contract you can’t do something legal

SerendipityJane · 16/09/2020 13:28

@ivykaty44

Xenia your examples are illegal activities, your boss can stipulate in your contract you can’t do something legal
And yet there are companies in the UK that make non-smoking a condition of offering and continuing employment.

from:

www.glassdoor.co.uk/Reviews/Employee-Review-Reynolds-and-Reynolds-RVW1410285.htm

no smoking policy(fired if failed nicotine test)

notimagain · 16/09/2020 13:50

@PeterWeg

Many people are sacked for actions outside work. Social media is a biggie, lots of people sacked for comments on SM at my previous job.

Same here...SM was a major issue with (mainly) the younger staff, misuse of the same was major major source of attrition amongst that cohort.

Nowt to do with something being illegal or not, all about "bringing the company, or it's image, into disrepute". If what was posted on SM was for example scathing of the company, or rude about a customer then the door didn't hit the miscreant's backside on the way out and nobody that I know of ever prevailed at an employment tribunal.

BuggerOffAndGoodDayToYou · 16/09/2020 14:14

@SerendipityJane

If your employer makes it a condition of employment, then yes they can tell you what to do in your own time and yes they can sack you for it.

So a clause saying you can't drink alcohol ?

Or wear red ?

Or buy Israeli goods ?

Hmm

DH used to have a job (in an office, at a desk, commute by train) and there was a rule that they could not have ANY alcohol in their system, so to be safe no alcohol for 24 hours before work. There were random tests and if alcohol was found it was dismissal. He hated it and moved on after less than a year.....
Topseyt · 16/09/2020 14:42

I would ignore this.

Not that I am big on going to pubs and restaurants, as for me they are occasional outings for Christmas, birthdays and when on holiday, but I will make my own choices.

Funkypolar · 16/09/2020 15:48

Wouldn’t be surprised if they told you seeing friends and family in your own home was also banned.

Go to work and go home. Repeat. Die.

ivykaty44 · 16/09/2020 20:18

@SerendipityJane is that in the UK or US? all the information I can find seems to point at it being a US company and not in UK

SerendipityJane · 16/09/2020 21:02

[quote ivykaty44]@SerendipityJane is that in the UK or US? all the information I can find seems to point at it being a US company and not in UK[/quote]
Reynolds has a UK operation (in Brum). And their UK application process explictly says non smokers only. I can't be 100% they make staff take nicotine tests in the UK, but that comment seemed from a UK employee.

(I was offered a job there when they were Kalamazoo - for other reasons I chose not to take it).

ivykaty44 · 17/09/2020 05:52

There are problems with nicotine tests anyway, has anyone actually refused a test and taken this further? Would it seriously stand up in court?

Graciebobcat · 17/09/2020 06:04

How would they know what you are doing in your spare time anyway? Just carry on as normal and ignore the stupid fuckers, and look for another job. They deserve to be outed in national press for doing this though.

Graciebobcat · 17/09/2020 06:15

If your employer makes it a condition of employment, then yes they can tell you what to do in your own time and yes they can sack you for it

No they fucking can't. The default position is that they CAN'T interfere with an employee's life outside work, with a few exceptions such as consuming alcohol or drugs when operating machinery or driving. They can't just make any old shit a condition of employment. And a change to terms and conditions of employment has to be agreed by the employee.