Work mind fuck

[NoFrills01]

I asked my manager a good few weeks ago if I could book my annual leave.

Prior to this, I had my supervision where we discussed how hard it is for me to take my holiday, as I'm the only person who does my job. We agreed its an issue, they said they will find a way and I was assured to just "take my holiday".

I went back with some dates for various things, she agreed the August break, however she wouldn't let me take more time (she's allowing other members of staff to take more than 2 weeks which goes against our contract). I wanted 2 1/2 weeks and wanted to just swap my days around, as I work part time. She said "oh your going to have to have jet lag and come in" but I actually don't need to, I can come into work and still take my usual day off in the week. It is booked holiday right? I feel like she's punishing me for taking my holiday.

Last year I burnt out, I had a lot going on within my own health and family and always had the same response I've I dared asked for a week off there's always some comment and some kind of shit storm for "when I'm back".

I also wanted to book a day off to take my Father for an operation, and I wanted to book a week for when have no childcare.

She snapped at me, said I couldn't take those dates, and ignored that I have no childcare coverage for a week.

My child has some health issues so I was very upset, I've since realised its all because she's booked outside work experience students which she intends for me to take on. I already have!

I feel used, which I already hinted at in my supervision. I am angry and hurt, I realise its work and a buisness but I need a break I need to take my holiday that I am entitled to. Last year it rolled over and I had some paid out to me.

Some of my colleagues have already been away for 3/4 times off this year.

I'm more so angry that its all because of work experience students, I'm sorry but I need to take my Father for his operation and I need to also be with my young child!

I have a lot of holiday to use, I want to use it!

Honestly, I'd look for a new job. You are being treated appallingly, but it doesn't sound like it will change

You are entitled to use it within the year but unfortunately work can refuse holiday if it will impact on the business negatively. I work in customer service. There has to be 2 of us on at any time. There's three staff members we all work part time in a set shift pattern but one staff member works two jobs so she can not cover shifts so on the day me and the third staff member work (Saturday ) it's nearly impossible to book it off. Really annoying and unfair.

This sounds so frustrating! Did she have any suggestion for when it WOULD be okay for you to take holiday? Or has she just become so reliant on you she wants you around the whole time?

Did you try and book this leave as soon as you were able when the holiday year opened? You could argue now is a little short notice for an extended summer holiday but if the year opens in April what can you do?

Why do you have to be the one to look after work experience students? Can you not agree to plan an activity for them on the day you are off and/or have another member of staff work with you on managing the work experience so next time someone else know what to do?

Is there a HR or union person who can help advocate for you?

I don’t think you can really expect a longer break than in your contract (although it is unfair if she allows this for others) or to have one off days at short notice (even though if I was the manager I would do whatever I could for a loyal hard working member of staff to be able to take time for her dad’s hospital appointment) but you do need to be able to take the leave you are entitled to and I think if work experience is the sticking point you/she needs to find someone else who can also look after them or agree with you before she books them in. 🙄 surely work experience is a nice extra for your team to offer anyway not part of the core work?

It might be time to do less hinting and be more explicit in your 1:1s.

Failing that I would be very tempted to get yourself signed off with stress. At least you can get a weeks break then and it’s not a lie is it? You are stressed.