Manager: “If you don’t like it, leave” - in other words!

[Hellskitchen24]

Hello! I’m a clinical NHS employee. Full time. I went to my manager recently and said I was struggling with various areas, mainly related to my roster; I do shifts, and have been rostered for many nights (a lot more than my contract says). There are hardly any gaps between my shifts sometimes and I have ZERO work life balance. In the last two months, I’ve worked three weekends out of four. So had two weekends off since the start of May. It’s taking its toll on me physically and mentally. For context, the work is extremely emotionally draining.

I approached my manager with this and their reply was well perhaps the job wasn’t for me then. I was quite dumbfounded by this. I did not think it was unreasonable to say that I was struggling with the types and days of shifts I’ve been given? There was zero inclination to look at this for me, and it left me feeling worthless and like I was unreasonable.

What should my next step be? AIBU? I’m already in the process of looking for another job, and it’s now clear I cannot approach my manager with anything.

What a crap manager.

It's not like that in all parts of the NHS. Could you shift sideways into a different specialism? There are well managed teams with sensible managers available.

If you're contracted to do so many night shifts, they cannot legally enforce more than stipulated. You should make a complaint to HR and explain your manager's pissy attitude.

I'd dig out your employment contract and look at the exact wording around shifts and what is expected. If what you are experiencing is not in line with that, then go to HR for an initial informal chat.

Also, are you in a union? If not then join one!

What does your contract state?

Email your manager that after your discussion you felt you had to formalise that you want to work your contractual hours, if they say no take it to HR.

Most NHS managers are crap, but I've never seen an NHS contract that stipulates a maximum on out of hours work. Most contracts will say something like 'emergency duty commitment' or 'shifts in accordance with the needs of the service' to cover themselves. DH is a nurse and will quite often have a shit rota, working 3 weekends in 4. But then he'll get the odd month where the offduty is good, so it tends to even out, plus you get shift allowance for nights and weekends so there is a benefit. Unless you're a doctor, then this won't necessarily apply, but most doctors know this comes with the territory.

The only thing you can really do is move ward and hope for better shifts there. You could go to the lead nurse, but that could backfire.

Have a chat with your union rep ASAP- I’m sure they will give you answers such as applying for flexible working- you have options ! X

The NHS is massively variable. You can have a very happy well managed team in the office next door to one that is completely demoralised.

Just look for a new job with better shifts.