Furious with what happened to DS17 on his last day of work

[Workcomplaintt]

I have changed my name for this because posts on my normal account could give away the company involved.

DS (17) had his final day of a part time job today. He knew it was always a short term contract and he really enjoyed working there, it was his first proper job.

Upon picking him up today, he was absolutely covered head to toe in flour, eggs, milk and god knows what else. Apparently it’s tradition whenever someone leaves that they get tied up and humiliated by their colleagues. I could tell DS was shaken up, he said he didn’t know it was going to happen and he didn’t feel they’d listen if he asked them to stop.

He took off what clothes he could before getting in my car but it’s in a right state.

I am in two minds to turn up at the company tomorrow and give them a piece of my mind. I said as much to DS. He’s only 17 for goodness sake.

He has asked me not to say anything to them.

Would it be wrong of me to make an issue of this despite his wishes for me not to?

Leather seats fortunately so have just about managed to clean it all up.

Your poor DS. Any HR specialists on here?

The most worrying part for me is that someone who is still legally classed as a child felt he couldn’t say no and didn’t think anyone would listen if he asked them to stop. Whether or not this was meant as a joke, a workplace should never put a young employee in that position.

I think you’ve got to respect his wishes not to approach the company directly, but I would advise you to record what happened to your son, when and by whom. And photograph his damaged clothing. In case he changes his mind.

If you’re in a union, or you have a legal helpline with your home insurance, I’d call them for advice. Or try ACAS. You could also speak to the safeguarding team at your local council. I don’t know if they will do anything but worth a try, especially if other young people work there.

Police ? 😂😂

Having a dad who stormed into my workplace when I was 17, I would for sure not want your son to feel like I did - mortified.

It's done and dusted even though it's crap. Respect your son's wishes, and storming up there ranting doesn't do anyone any good.

I was hoping that comment was tongue in cheek!

This shit went out with the ark
People have died when fucking about with apprentices etc went too far.

Just leave it be. he is months from being a man

He can't have his mummy stepping in

That is awful 😞
I think you should name and shame the company.

@grinandslothit and I while we are at it, Keep Calm and Carry On!

How patronising.

I don’t think that would be wise. They have a few offices and arrange services for tradesmen - I’m sure it would shock no one on here to learn that they were the ringleaders in what happened.

Sounds like things you used to hear about on stag/hens. Surprised a modern workplace thinks it's ok. We're aware (or should be) of trauma, disabilities, allergies and ND, and there are any number of reasons this needs to be stopped.
Victims often ask people not to say anything, but what if the next person is badly affected too? Yes, report.

Who were the ring leaders the tradesmen?

This exact thing happened to me 20 years ago except it was chicken manure and they poured it over my head and locked me in the yard at work. It was awful and still makes me feel sad and I wish my mum had complained. I can’t believe that kind of thing still happens. I was a small teenager and they were adult men.

That was a thing 40 years ago. I’m surprised it’s still going. We called it getting a doing over. Same as what was done to bride and groom just before their wedding.

Yeah, including the company owner who was filming it.

How awful. I wouldnt be able to stop myself going batshit at them if it was my daughter.

So embarrassing for a company to do this to people. How can they think it’s okay?! I wouldn’t go down though it won’t stop them doing it and it will embarrass DS, but they’re the ones that should be embarrassed for engaging in such nonsense. wtf.

It’s dreadful OP and reporting it should be the right thing to do BUT your relationship with your son is more important and I think it would be better to be respectful of his wishes. Talk to him and let him know that what they did was wrong and they are idiots but don’t give it any more power by making it a bigger issue for him.

Go above the owners head if it is a franchise. Your ds has left and you don't need to tell him; just put in a formal complaint giving all of the details. You could even just say to ds what you're doing as it is something that needs addressed so that it doesn't keep happening. He has left so won't see them again anyway. It is better to teach your ds that this isn't okay, and it needs reporting to validate him and protect others.

That is disgusting doing that to anyone let alone a 17 year old. The filming is also really concerning. Really sorry this happened to your son op, and hope he's okay.

Now that made me wince!

That's dreadful. What a shit company. I hope your ds is ok. Nobody should be subjected to degrading and humiliating experiences like this in the workplace.

If the owner was complicit, there probably isn't much point in submitting a complaint. In that scenario, I would actually be inclined to make a complaint to the police. This is effectively assault.

Your poor boy.

It was a thing as a student nurse forty odd years ago that you got put in the bath on your last day on a ward.

This is just vile.
It's a tough one, but I wouldn't want my son to think this is ok.

This. Hopefully they won’t do it again to someone else

The owner filmed it? OK, so that is not a bit of harmless pranking. That is wrong. I would tell my son why it’s wrong, why I wouldn’t want it happening to anyone and then I would write to the owner and tell him exactly what I thought.