Im going through a horrific time at work. Its a small company and I have a senior role. I've worked my arse off for the company (have been there 5 years). Staff are continuously leaving and the owner refuses to get them replaced.
Ive taken on multiple roles that are not mine within the working day to keep us afloat, while spending every evening doing my own role for free. We recently had a new system out in with zero training, where I had to teach myself one evening how to use on YouTube and teach everyone else.
Constant bullying issue in the work place that the owner completely avoids, leaving it to me to sort as people keep coming to me crying.
Health and safety there is non exsistent, with people wiping the owners dog wee of products, and us picking up her dog shit from the floor because she leaves the dog in the office when shes not there. She uses the Staff dish cloths to clean the dogs food bowl. Its disgusting.
When im off sick or annual leave the boss is constantly messaging me. She has a huge issue with me ever having a break, constantly txting to guilt trip me that im not there saying how busy it is. Ive been put on anxiety medication in the last 6 months.
I had a days annual leave booked last week which was approved by the appropriate people. My boss noticed and asked why I need it, I said because I need a break and struggling and burnt out.
The day before my annual leave She sent me a txt when she went for lunch saying shes decided to close the company for two weeks in autumn so u have no holidays left to use as shes taken them for that. I was severely burnt out and I needed a break. I went to a senior colleague authorised to confirm leave and stated Ill need to go gome early as my mental health is struggling, I felt sick, hadnt slept for weeks and completely burnt out. I sent a message to the owner 20 minutes later saying id left early due to struggling, and raised a grievance. I didnt hear back and the same evening I had an email suspending me for gross misconduct for leaving work.
I had one meeting with hr who told me I could lose my job and its gross misconduct to leave early without authorisation. They said it only counts if I tell the owner before I leave the office. Ive never had to do this before.
I now have another disciplinary meeting next week. The boss has blocked me from the companies social media and her own and it feels shes trying to push me out.
Any advice please? Aibu to think me leaving early in this way is not gross misconduct? Xxxxx