to get a little hacked off when my sales director makes up lies about me constantly?

[LindzDelirium]

to cover his back?

I'm a bit "argh" about it all today, and this has been going on for months.
Problem is,we are a small company of 4 employees, and the MD is the SD's best friend.

So I am stumped.

What kind of lies does he tell? is he making you look incompetent or bigging you up?

basically whenever he makes a mistake he claims I did it. This has happened so many times I am getting fed up.

What sort of lies, and how are you finding out about them? If you're seeing things in emails then it would seem reasonable to send him (and copy the MD) a corrected version of events. If you hear him say something in a meeting, then you can have a word with him afterwards and ask for clarification.
The fact that they're friends shouldn't stop the MD from being told the truth.

Record occurrences. Get proof you didn't do it to cover your back (save emails etc which back you up in the correct decision). Not acceptable behaviour. If you end up at any tribunal, you will need a record of what and when....

And sorry you have to work with such a dickhead

Record everything and if questioned tell the truth.

When I was in a 6mnths placement in a childrens home. I was common practice to pass the blame onto us(people on placement) by people who had been working there for years and were supposed to have a lot of experience but could not care less. I hated it I think it is mmoral and coward of them (include there your sales director).

I was just there for a short time but it drained me to always have to try and justifie myself when all I could say was "But..." (also, nearer to the end of the placement I became more "vocal") If you are working there permanently, you will have to raise the issue sooner or later before you are the one classed as "incompetent", and work will become a rotten place to have to go to!

My honest opinion is that you should quietly start looking for another job before you are pushed. If it is a small company, how much are you likely to get if you sue them for constructive/unfair dismissal?

If your sales director is pally with the MD, it is highly unlikely that the MD will believe you over the sales director.

How long have you been with this company and is the sales director new?

I've been with the company 4 years and SD has been here 2 years, although SD has been best friends with MD for over 20 years. Problem is I am well paid here and I know I am going to have to take a pay cut to leave, but thanks for all the advice. We're pretty much on the verge of going belly up anyway I think, I open creditors letters every day!

yup, Lindz, you need to find a lifeboat before everyone else. All the best - these are uncertain times.

Jump before you are pushed. Be nice work hard, keep evidence for your own piece of mind. So you get a good reference. Could you work for any of the companies your company is in contact with? I did that in an export Company V. good idea, if they know you and like you. Look at the bigger picture

I would agree that you should look for another job, but in the meantime do record all incidents and any evidence you can. You have been working there for 4 years, so you are covered by employment protection legislation. Have you ever brought this up with MD? Even though SD is his close friend, he may be more aware of the reality than you think - after all you have been there longer than SD and MD must know how you work and your capability.