To think it’s unreasonable not to have a kitchen at work.

[Jessiesmilkshake]

Just that really. Where I work ( office/reception) there is no kitchen facilities eg fridge or kettle. I like my job but it’s a massive pain the arse that I can’t make a cup of tea in the morning or put food in a fridge or use microwave something warm.

AIBU?

@Heatherjayne1972

I thought there was a law that states if you work over a certain number of hours then facilities must be provided for hot food/drinks ( kettle and microwave at least)

Only if the workplace is in a location where there is no hot food / drinks available in the vicinity.

Sounds pretty rubbish; I’d be a bit miserable going all day without a cup of tea and I’m not a fan of sandwiches so like to eat stuff I can heat up

Sounds like quite a small office, so I think you yabu, maybe bring a flask?

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg293.pdf

HSE says there should be a means of heating food and water for hot drinks, ie a kettle and a microwave. I don't think this is law, rather a strong recommendation, with fresh drinking water as a legal minimum.

@Ifailed how is making a cup of tea cooking?

@Ifailed

You're paid to work, not cook.

Ebeneezer Scrooge got online, I see.

@Ifailed

You're paid to work, not cook.

Did you actually read the post? She wants to out her lunch in a fridge & make a cup of tea -not make a 3 course meal!

I don't see why you need a kitchen to have a drink or eat something? Do what most people do, eat at your desk, or go outside.

Christ @Ifailed, I hope you're not an employer or a manager! You sound awful!

@Ifailed

OP can't just buy a kettle and plug it in, it will have to PAT tested.

You don't need to PAT test new stuff so it wouldn't be a requirement immediately.

Surely you'd use the bottled water in the kettle, not fill from bathroom taps 🤮

You don't need to PAT test new stuff so it wouldn't be a requirement immediately

Exactly, and in future, it would just get tested when they do the computers, printers etc.

@Jessiesmilkshake that sounds miserable, is there no kitchen sink etc? They could surely get a kitchen sink and drainer and small cupboard put in? If you got a cost for it, do you think they would consider?

I wouldn't necessarily expect microwave, especially if it's only a small workplace, but not to even have a small fridge to keep some milk and sandwiches in, or a kettle to make a drink is pretty poor. Not essential as arguably you can take in a flask of tea and keep your lunch in a coolbox, but still pretty stingy.

Could you ask for a mini fridge and a kettle if space is limited?

You don't need to PAT test new stuff so it wouldn't be a requirement immediately.

That's down to the employer to decide. The assumption is that new stuff is fit for purpose - try telling that to the owners of Hotpoint tumble dryers.

OP has still not explained why she wants a kitchen at work - so far people have mentioned access to a kettle and a fridge, hardly a kitchen.

How do you think those who work outside manage?

Take a flask. Have cold blocks in your lunch. If you want other items then go out.

Many organisations don't have these facilities and baby have removed due to covid.

@Ifailed

You don't need to PAT test new stuff so it wouldn't be a requirement immediately.

That's down to the employer to decide. The assumption is that new stuff is fit for purpose - try telling that to the owners of Hotpoint tumble dryers.

OP has still not explained why she wants a kitchen at work - so far people have mentioned access to a kettle and a fridge, hardly a kitchen.

She absolutely has explained. Right there in the first post.

I like my job but it’s a massive pain the arse that I can’t make a cup of tea in the morning or put food in a fridge or use microwave something warm

Lots of small service offices or flexi spaces wont allow microwaves etc and as an employer you don't want it on reception anyway. There's usually a small communal space though but might be closed to Covid

OP has still not explained why she wants a kitchen at work - so far people have mentioned access to a kettle and a fridge, hardly a kitchen.

Did you read the OP @Ifailed, or was it too complicated?

And @Ifailed OP quoted "kitchen facilities" in the OP. I'm sure that she's not expecting Masterchef style equipment, with convection hobs, grills, double ovens with built in timers and a full set of roasting pans and saucepans.

Did someone piss on your chips today?

@Ifailed

You don't need to PAT test new stuff so it wouldn't be a requirement immediately.

That's down to the employer to decide. The assumption is that new stuff is fit for purpose - try telling that to the owners of Hotpoint tumble dryers.

OP has still not explained why she wants a kitchen at work - so far people have mentioned access to a kettle and a fridge, hardly a kitchen.

But you said "OP can't just buy a kettle and plug it in, it will have to PAT tested." I was merely pointing out that legally you don't. You didn't say it was down to the employer, you implied - no actually you said - you HAVE to.

@Bookwords

And *@Ifailed* OP quoted "kitchen facilities" in the OP. I'm sure that she's not expecting Masterchef style equipment, with convection hobs, grills, double ovens with built in timers and a full set of roasting pans and saucepans.

Did someone piss on your chips today?

Yes, and the chips were cold, no way of heating them, well only hot piss I suppose

Can't you bring a flask?

I agree it's annoying though!

@Ifailed

You're paid to work, not cook.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 say

^What arrangements should I make for meal breaks?
There should be a suitable seating area for workers to use during breaks _ it needs to be clean and located where food will not get contaminated.
There should be washing facilities nearby, and a means of heating food or water for hot drinks. You must maintain good hygiene standards^

HSE summary document here