Employer says I am not allowed to heat up my breakfast

[KittyKatty123]

I work full time, 9-5, computer facing all day, work that requires a lot of concentration. I understand the important of taking regular breaks to get away from the screen but don't take the mickey with this. I can't eat first thing in the morning so I have always eaten mid-morning, at my desk, sometimes something cold, sometimes something that needs a minute or two in the staff microwave.

Past employers have never had an issue with this.

I'm fairly new to this job but in the past two months that others have observed me doing this, including my line manager, no-one has ever raised it as an issue. We have access to a microwave and toaster so sometimes I'll bring in a tub of beans, or eggs that I've already put in a bowl and whisked at home so it takes 2 minutes in the microwave to heat them, sometimes I'll do some toast at the same time. All during the space of time it takes me to make my first cup of tea of the day - which is taken after having already put in 1-2 hours work since I got in that morning.

All of a sudden my line manager took me aside and said "it had been noticed" that I was heating up my breakfast and that I was no longer to do this as it was in work time, that the microwave and toaster were only for lunch breaks, unless I decided to split my break over both. This seems ridiculous to me as it takes max 5 minutes and I then bring it back to eat at my desk whilst working. I have seen colleagues gone for much much longer than this if they get into social conversation with colleagues.

Also, this instruction was directed only to me, not as a general "heads up" to the team or department as a whole, so it very personal.

In my mind, from an occupational health point of view, it is very important to take regular breaks throughout the day from VDU work, to make tea, go to the loo, chat with a colleague etc, so why is heating up food whilst making my tea any different.

Am I being unreasonable here? Do others do this at work with no issue? As I said, past employers have never had issue with it and I don't take the piss with it. Thank you.

@Angelonagelee

They are talking about this thread on Jeremy Vine on the TV now.

Eating and working is just not not not professional.

Unions worked hard to get the breaks we have and it’s people who abuse these breaks who don’t know their history. We could easily revert to olden times without the generous breaks we have.
Be careful not to abuse the privileges we have and thank the unions.

You're supposed to take regular breaks from the screen to do other non screen work instead. The break is to give your eyes a rest from the screen, it's not a break to stuff your face.

@Offmyfence really?
We've hired before from a recruitment agent and the employee in question left after a month or so and we got money back?

I used to work in recruitment. It depends on the agency and the contract.

Why can't you eat breakfast before going to work? Just wondering as you don't say.

This thread is still going?!?

@Lochroy

This thread is still going?!?

It’s been in the national press and media - it would be surprising if it weren’t still going

”Enjoys hot Tupperware eggs” is not a protected characteristic…

wins the thread

Eggs absolutely stink. One of my collleagues used to make up eggs at home and microwave them first thing at work and it used to make me feel sick.
I think it’s possible your breakfast is causing discomfort to your colleagues- could you stick with cereal or a porridge pot etc

Likely because it creates a horrible off putting smell to your colleagues and it is unprofessional. I'm surprised that if you are new and you hadn't seen anyone else doing this, that you even started doing it.
It's a bit much imo to be having a cooked breakfast at your desk. Have breakfast at home or save it for your lunch. Just have fruit or a cereal bar etc if you are hungry between meals.

Eggs can smell. I would have a scone and cuppa but maybe just on a Friday. It doesnt look great if Im on reception! So would only do that very odd time

beachtosunset

OP - I think you may be happier in a job at The Little Chef.

They'd be bankrupt in a week but you'd be satisfied.

Why do you think they'd be bankrupt? OP is not over eating?

@Offmyfence
Because her hot meal and access to it seems to be OP's priority.

This is the best thread for ages. Liverpool Echo, Daily Mail and now Jeremy Kyle. It will be on CNN tonight. Wonder where the OP has gone?

Personally the smell of eggs makes me feel sick. And imagine many other people feel the same. Have some consideration for your colleagues take a break that gets you away from your desk or eat before work.

@beachtosunset

beachtosunset

OP - I think you may be happier in a job at The Little Chef.

They'd be bankrupt in a week but you'd be satisfied.

Why do you think they'd be bankrupt? OP is not over eating?

@Offmyfence
Because her hot meal and access to it seems to be OP's priority.

That makes no sense? Why would eating a hot meal make them bankrupt?

Personally I cannot stand the smell of beans so it would definitely be off putting to me

@Offmyfence no one needs to make a hot breakfast at work. OP needs to get organised and eat at home.

Talk about belabouring the point, Offmyfence...

Start looking for another job. There are plenty out there at the moment so be selective.

@GreyhoundG1rl

Talk about belabouring the point, Offmyfence...

wtf does that mean

@GreyhoundG1rl

Talk about belabouring the point, Offmyfence...

thank you. very hard work

You don't know what it means?