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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell work to stick it up their arse?

107 replies

Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 18:16

Name changed for this.
Started a new part time job 3 weeks ago. Great hours which suit me in a tiny family run business.
However...
No lying time and paid weekly, but I've still not had any wages, should get them soon, apparently the accountant is a bit slow.
Entitled to a break, but we don't get one.
The owner doesn't give contracts.
Wage slips (not that I've had one yet) are infrequent, sometimes a few months late.
And absolute sweatshop, literally can go all shift without a pee.
Allowed to bring in a bottle of water, no snack, no cuppa, nothing.
I'm absolutely fucked after each shift, but the other 2 members of staff accept it as their lot and say that's just how it is and I should be glad of the job.
Should I suck it up and become indoctrinated into their way of thinking, or as I really want to do, spin on my heel after telling them to shove it? Which would be soooo easy, especially as I've no contract.

OP posts:
Pushkinini · 06/09/2023 21:19

Walk. Tell them why you are leaving then hassle them every single day for the money you're owed. Nobody should be treated like that at work.

BeMoreBarbie · 06/09/2023 21:21

Don't quit til you have spoken to your job centre person. Just in case.

BeMoreBarbie · 06/09/2023 21:22

But call them to tell them if you're able as you shouldn't work there a moment longer than you need to but I would hate the job centre to be arses about it and cut any benefits.

Original poster
Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 21:27

I messaged my job coach today asking for an appointment. Still waiting for a reply.
The job is so shit, the thought of going back in...but if the job centre are arses about it, I'm fucked.
What a bloody mess, I'm absolutely raging. And the fact he had the brass neck to look for staff through what should be a legal channel and I'll probably be sanctioned if I quit it makes the whole thing worse.

OP posts:
Gremlins101 · 06/09/2023 21:28

Leave!

Zeb81 · 06/09/2023 21:29

It's not a job if you aren't getting paid so the job centre need to take this into consideration. They have missed 2 or 3 pay periods so far

Also ... run!!

PutinSmellsPassItOn · 06/09/2023 21:31

If you're that desperate Aldi are always after staff, yes, it's hard work but paid breaks, 6 weeks holiday a year, decent staff room and flexible working for single parents and carers. I did a retail course and was offered a job there within a.week 🤣🤣🤣

ASDMumof2 · 06/09/2023 21:36

Report to acas here https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights

I loathe employers like this, they need to be shut down. Get out, get a better job.

Good luck.

Pay and work rights helpline and complaints

Get help and advice on employment rights - telephone, opening hours, website

https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights

bluejumping · 06/09/2023 21:44

Just go for your break. Eh? Why don't you down tools, step outside and eat your sarnies?

Original poster
Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 21:50

I'm panicking that I'll get sanctioned. I think that's why these businesses get away with it, people get trapped and can't afford to stand up for themselves and leave. I'm worried I'll get grief from the job centre for walking away and be expected to put up with it. How can I go back if I've opened that can of worms?
I'm flip flopping between seeing out the rest of the week, or cutting my losses and ditching it in the morning. DP says its up to me, but I could honestly cry.

OP posts:
misssunshine4040 · 06/09/2023 21:50

Report them and take the evidence you reported them to the job centre. Let them know exactly what was going on and ask them to assist you in getting your wages.
Then ask for more assistance in finding a new role.

You won't be sanctioned for refusing to work in illegal conditions.

misssunshine4040 · 06/09/2023 21:52

Also, in the nicest way possible... this is your life no one else's.
You don't need permission to quit a job or decide if something is awful.
Why don't you retrain or figure out what you really want to do and where you see yourself.
Then you don't need to take those kind of jobs in the first place

Original poster
Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 22:02

I think I've definitely got grounds to leave, but the ball's in the job centre's court. If I didn't get any money until I get a start somewhere else, I would have to stay longer and it's soul destroying.

OP posts:
misssunshine4040 · 06/09/2023 22:06

How quickly can you find a new job, any new job

BeMoreBarbie · 06/09/2023 22:08

Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 21:50

I'm panicking that I'll get sanctioned. I think that's why these businesses get away with it, people get trapped and can't afford to stand up for themselves and leave. I'm worried I'll get grief from the job centre for walking away and be expected to put up with it. How can I go back if I've opened that can of worms?
I'm flip flopping between seeing out the rest of the week, or cutting my losses and ditching it in the morning. DP says its up to me, but I could honestly cry.

My heart breaks for you. It's an awful situation to be in and to have to stay just in case is also an arse. Better safe than sorry but the system is so backwards that I'd expect a sanction for quitting despite your absolute right to do so.

Original poster
Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 22:17

I've been applying for some jobs tonight.
Do I go in tomorrow? Christ, why can't I decide for myself what to do, I'm a grown woman!

OP posts:
goingtotown · 06/09/2023 22:29

Speak to the job centre tomorrow. The company needs reporting, don't be fobbed off.

Janicepalace · 06/09/2023 22:31

If you are worried about the potential sanctions, you could call in sick tomorrow until the job centre comes back to you? It sounds awful it truly does.

ChampagneLassie · 06/09/2023 22:33

Are you an undocumented immigrant who can only do cash in hand? Unless so I can’t think why you’d do this

Original poster
Knackeredandpissedoff · 06/09/2023 22:37

I'm doing it because if the job centre think I'm being unreasonable I can get no money to live on. That's why I'm doing it. I'm just a number to the job centre. And if they say "no money" in between jobs, that's it.

OP posts:
WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 06/09/2023 22:38

This is awful OP. Leave. Write a resignation letter citing all the reasons. Send it registered post and keep a copy. Report them to HRMC. Speak to ACAS for advice on getting your wages and anywhere else you can report them to - possibly pensions regulator if they're not operation pension auto-enrolment.

ASimpleLampoon · 06/09/2023 22:47

Don't wait until you get paid to walk just walk because it's not going to happen. Think of the hours you've already worked as a "sunk cost". Don't give them a minute more free labour.

Beeinalily · 06/09/2023 22:50

Illegal and immoral, but I know what you mean about the sanctions. But then you're not getting paid anyway...

OnlyOpenMouthToChangeFeet · 06/09/2023 22:52

Then just ask your work coach whether the government now endorses illegal working practices?!

Also call ACAS. I'm not totally upto date on current employment law, but they will inform you exactly what's what. Good luck!