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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Breech of COVID regulations

61 replies

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 02:29

Ok, so this may be a bit of a no brainer, but I have high functioning anxiety and I can’t actually tell whether I am the unreasonable one here. Basically, I work for a non essential business that runs both high street stores and concession stands in supermarkets. Since the latest lockdown measures came into place, all high street stores have since closed, but the supermarket locations have remained open. However, as we are non essential and have absolutely nothing to do with the supermarket in a “click and collect” capacity. We were provided all necessary POS to elude to this, and we were issued guidelines for how we should operate. I wasn’t making the kind of money they wanted, so my area team berated me for not understanding what click and collect meant. I was under the impression it meant that you place an order online and come in store to collect. But obviously I was very much mistaken, as what I SHOULD have been doing was maintain the illusion that we were closed to the public but offer them all of our usual services. Anyway, about a month or so ago my store manager caught COVID. At the time I expressed my frustration to her about us remaining open and the pressure we were being put under to perform, and she agreed wholeheartedly. In her absence, trying to run things legitimately, I faced a lot of backlash from my superiors, and was constantly made to feel like I was wrong for complying with lockdown rules. In pure frustration I decided to report my company to various entities dealing in trading standards. Nothing came of this. The store manager returned to work and soon realised what our superiors had been saying - that following the rules wasn’t making us any money. So she started providing services that weren’t included in our click and collect guidelines. I raised issue with this and she seemed to be under the impression that it wasn’t so much about the law or keeping people safe as it was we were able to do whatever we “felt comfortable” doing. I’ll add that she didn’t directly pressure me into following her belief, but this made it difficult for me when customers would turn up expecting certain services and I was having to turn them away and they couldn’t understand why because my other colleague had eagerly helped them. It was difficult but I let it slide, until this week. This entire time we have had a barrier across our shop to give the impression that we are closed to the public, but my store manager has started sneaking customers in for some services and allowing customers to remove their masks. These services are absolutely not under the click and collect guidelines. She hid the fact that she was doing this from me, but another colleague pointed it out to me and there was evidence through her figures that she had been doing these additional services. I confronted her and her only defence was “I’m sick of not having anything to do and not making any money”. I get that, it’s incredibly demoralising and we are making virtually nothing but that is on our area team and our company as a whole for refusing to close us. Again, frustrated, I decided to file several other reports. This time, something happened. I received a call at work today from Trading Standards and they wanted to speak to the Store Manager. I didn’t glean a lot of information from the conversation but it’s obviously in response to my complaint. I let my manager know that they wanted to speak to her and she started freaking out and told our area manager, who is now going to deal with it tomorrow. I feel immense anxiety and guilt, I feel just plain awful - physically sick with stress over this. And it doesn’t help that my store manager is getting aggravated and suspicious that it was me that tipped off Trading Standards. I was so sure that I was doing the right thing before but now that it’s come down to it I’m wondering whether I should have kept my mouth shut? Am I wrong for reporting my company? Should I have just kept quiet?

OP posts:
GreenWillow · 05/03/2021 10:19

You need to look for another job.

Although I think given your conduct, that decision may well be taken out of your hands

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 10:37

Newtoitoo : They haven’t tried to keep us on full wage. They have part furloughed some of us in the company, so the government has been paying 80% of our wages. Truthfully I don’t know how this is all working and from what I’ve heard it’s sounds like he is claiming more furlough off the government than he should be. But I digress. I’m not doing this out of spite. I’m doing this because I shouldn’t be forced to break the law just to keep my job. It is morally wrong. I have plenty of gripes with the company, far more than what I’ve shared, and whilst I think they are a terrible company I have put up with this all up until now. I may dislike many parts of my job, but I deal with them. Breaking the law is more than a “gripe” for me.

OP posts:
Chunkyetfunky90 · 05/03/2021 10:40

GreenWillow

You need to look for another job.

Although I think given your conduct, that decision may well be taken out of your hands

Am I missing what the op did that was wrong....from what I can gather the company are breaking covid regulations she reported it so her conduct isn’t the problem here perhaps it’s the company’s you know the ones that are breaking covid regulations !!

WilsonMilson · 05/03/2021 10:57

@Chunkyetfunky90

wilsonmilson you’re a dick

Op you did the right thing !!

@Chunkyetfunky90 how erudite! Surely that’s a sweeping judgement simply because we differ in our opinion about whether the op did the right thing in this instance?
Newtoittoo · 05/03/2021 11:04

@KittyKatya

Newtoitoo : They haven’t tried to keep us on full wage. They have part furloughed some of us in the company, so the government has been paying 80% of our wages. Truthfully I don’t know how this is all working and from what I’ve heard it’s sounds like he is claiming more furlough off the government than he should be. But I digress. I’m not doing this out of spite. I’m doing this because I shouldn’t be forced to break the law just to keep my job. It is morally wrong. I have plenty of gripes with the company, far more than what I’ve shared, and whilst I think they are a terrible company I have put up with this all up until now. I may dislike many parts of my job, but I deal with them. Breaking the law is more than a “gripe” for me.
Well it’s good that you have clarified your stance and answered you own ‘AIBU’ - ‘no’. You are happy with the position you have taken - which is great.

WRT furlough etc, I thought you had said there was ‘no point them doing it at this late stage...’ or something. Either way, if you and your colleagues are being paid what is possible at the moment, that is good.

The fact you think ‘it’s a terrible company’ simply compounds the need for you to leave & find somewhere you are happy.
Covid completely aside, it can be very difficult working with / managing colleagues who are very dissatisfied in there role - so if it is as bad as you say, finding a new job might make everyone a little happier (yes, I know this shouldn’t be verbalised but sometimes...)

Bluntness100 · 05/03/2021 11:04

Two sides to this.

Firstly off course if they are breaking the law you did the right thing in reporting them. Whether it can be proven they were is another point entirely. I’m sure they will go out their way to convince trading standards it is a malicious report. No one is going to say they uses services against lock down and risk a fine.

Secondly yes, it’s likely you will loose your job over this. They will find a way. If you’d thought it through before you did your multiple reports you’d have assumed this.

So I’d start looking for another job ASAP.

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 11:05

@WilsonMilson : “Erudite”?

Graham Lineham is that you?

I think @Chunkeyetfunky90 Had a very valid opinion.

See what I did there?

Added lots of lovely paragraphs for you.

Enjoy.

OP posts:
KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 11:14

@Newtoitoo : The overall conclusion you drew in your last paragraph was right - it probably WOULD be better for all of us if moved on to another job. However, I do not agree with “it can be very difficult working with/managing colleagues who are dissatisfied in their role”. I’m dissatisfied BECAUSE I am managed poorly. It is managements responsibility to create a working environment where I don’t feel exploited or, again, pressured to break the law. It may be “difficult” for them that I am no longer willing to bend over backwards to make their lives easier, but that’s not my problem. They should do a better job of running a business.

OP posts:
Beaniecats · 05/03/2021 11:19

@GreenWillow

You need to look for another job.

Although I think given your conduct, that decision may well be taken out of your hands

And its breach btw What I think is best me not putting tbh
Comefromaway · 05/03/2021 11:20

I'm fairly sure that whistleblowing is protected in terms of a reason for dismissal.

Chunkyetfunky90 · 05/03/2021 11:23

WilsonMilson

Chunkyetfunky90
wilsonmilson you’re a dick

Op you did the right thing !!
@Chunkyetfunky90 how erudite!
Surely that’s a sweeping judgement simply because we differ in our opinion about whether the op did the right thing in this instance?

Ok, you sound like a dick.....better ?
We do differ on opinion, many company’s are struggling, not all breaking the law though 🤔.

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 11:25

@Beaniecats Yeah, I wrote this at 2am, during an anxiety attack. Spelling wasn’t really a concern, but good job honing in on the point of my post.

OP posts:
Chunkyetfunky90 · 05/03/2021 11:25

@KittyKatya
Thank you oh and those are some lovely paragraphs 😊😆.

UrAWizHarry · 05/03/2021 11:28

"And its breach btw "

People correcting spelling mistakes on an informal forum are proper wankers, just FYI.

It does sound like the OP needs to find another job, because clearly this a company which treats their staff like shit, in all sorts of ways. Not because she very rightly reported a company for breaking the law. If they can't afford to pay full time wages at the moment there are schemes in place to help.

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 11:28

@Comefromaway I believe you’re right, but I understand what others are saying that my company may make it difficult for me to remain in my position. Saying that though, a lot of people here seem to STRONGLY disagree with me for reporting a company for breaking the law, so I can see why they would want me to feel bad and fear for my job.

OP posts:
Chimoia · 05/03/2021 11:31

I don't think you've done anything wrong but it amazes me how some people with anxiety make their own lives so much more difficult. It must be to do with being conscientious about right and wrong, or feeling like they have to fight or people will walk all over them. My friend has bad anxiety and is always getting into issues like this. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture or your own best interests or the grey areas of compromise. Leave the big fights to the people who don't give a damn and aren't going to be kept awake at night stressing over it.

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 11:32

@UrAWizHarry I really, truly am thankful for your input here. And for calling out the “wankers”.

OP posts:
AntiHop · 05/03/2021 11:38

I completely support you op. Companies breaking the law makes a mockery of all those businesses that have acted lawfully and are suffering.

I would also join a union, it won't cost much.

Deux · 05/03/2021 11:38

You’re clearly not suited to this environment and you say you’ve been there for 4 years? The company isn’t going to change its culture just for you so you need to find a culture that fits.

You do sound a bit chippy though and that probably comes out irl. You need to look for a new job as you’ll probably be top of the redundancy list now anyway.

You haven’t really stuck it to the man though, you’ve just shot yourself in the foot. Of all the things to take a stand on and be willing to sacrifice your job for, is it really worth it?

GabsAlot · 05/03/2021 11:44

you done the right thing-they sound like horrible company

and taking masks off? id call the police i dont know about TS

KittyKatya · 05/03/2021 12:03

@Deux WOW.
Just wow.
The company’s “culture” is toxic. And should not just be changed for me. I am a lone worker but we have HUNDREDS of store across the UK, and I am not the only employee that gets treated this way. A lot are too afraid to speak because of people like you and most on this thread that make them feel like they are in the wrong for standing up for themselves and asking for better treatment. Current and future employees do not deserve to be treated this way, so I may have shot myself in the foot, but maybe they’ll eventually get the message that it’s not on? I can only hope. But what you’re saying is “put up, or shut up”?

Not sure if I’ll be “top of the redundancy” list since I’m a mobile colleague and relatively inexpensive. The reason I am not furloughed is because it costs them more to pay my colleagues to come to work instead. Not sure what you mean by “chippy”? But you no not know me. You can not speak on how I come across at work. I am quiet and mild mannered, I stay late and work extra shifts - I keep my mouth shut and always behave. But I’ve had enough now. I shouldn’t have to compromise my morals for them.

OP posts:
peak2021 · 05/03/2021 13:10

If they had offered the service whereby you stood outside, more than six foot from the customer, and only the person being photographed removed their face covering for a few seconds, then they could provide the service I expect within the law.

As they have not you are within your rights to refer the matter to trading standards. I am disappointed though that the supermarket within whom your concession operates could not have been approached somehow, as I expect they would have acted, even if only informally first.

VapeVamp12 · 05/03/2021 13:14

You 100% did the right thing OP. If my company were breaking COVID laws I would do the exact same thing in your position.

As for having to look for another job over this? As someone said above you are protected by whistleblowing terms. Why should you get into trouble for doing the right thing.

This isn't just your anxious mind, like someone above said. I hate it when people say that. Don't doubt yourself.

I posted a few weeks ago because a customer of mine demanded I go and see him. I said no. Initially my boss didnt back me up and I thought I'd be in trouble but fortunately one of the other directors stepped in and agreed with me and told the customer we won't be breaking lockdown to see him for non-essential reasons.

Maybe look for another job, but only because your employer sound bloody awful!

VapeVamp12 · 05/03/2021 13:15

@Deux

People like you are the reason companies get away with treating people like rubbish.

Of all the things to take a stand on? Urm, upholding law is quite high on the list isn't it?! Are you a super spreader?

Blockedoff · 05/03/2021 13:21

@KittyKatya you've gone from giving no info, to lots of very outing info!

I hope the press don't get hold of this, it's not going to take a genius to work out the company and branch this relates too!