Scared of my job can anyone advise please?

[sarahsbump]

Hi, I am a betting shop manager who has just taken over a new shop, im 16+4. 2 weeks ago the shop was broken into overnight and due to a failure of top management no one was alerted that the alarm had been triggered so it was me who discovered it when i went to work the next day! Since it happened no one from top management have bothered to see how Iam and the door used for entry has only had 2 bolts fitted so isnt really secure (soft wood door and frame) the thing is i am petrified of being there now and we still have no electricity in the back of the shop and have to use a torch to find the safe!! I have just signed myself off for a week with stress and wondered if I am entitled to drop to a cashier and do part time does anyone know? thanks in advanced

Your employer has legal rights to ensure that your workplace is maintained in a suitable condition for you to work in - whether you are a manager or cashier. There are legal requirements to ensure adequate lighting in the workplace for example which sounds like they are not being met if you have to use a torch. Also the flimsy door does not sound very adequate in terms of the security of the building.
here is some info

Your employer should also be conducting a pregnancy risk assessment. I would suggest you see a CAB or local law centre for practical advice as to how best to get your employer to meet their obligations to you. You should nto feel you have to take a demotion just beause they are not doing their duty by you.

Hi thanks for your replies,i dont really want to take a demotion but I cant see another option-the nearest shop would mean 2 hours travelling per day which im not up to so cant transfer and I cant afford to stopworking .Im also having to train 4 people which means im not getting my breaks.
I cant believe how much the break in has affected me but I lie awake worrying about my next shift!! I read somewhere that if they cannot offer you suitable employment they must suspend you on full pay until they can or you are able to return to pre pregnancy work could I push for them to do that or just wait and see?

Sarah is there any way you can go to CAB today or Monday?? They will help you and give you all the advice you need.

It's bloody atrociaous (sp?) soooo for you!

I don't understand how the demotion would help the situation. There are circumstances in which an employer has a duty to suspend a pregnant woman but you really do need to sit down with someone, set out the situation and get some detailed advice asap.

They will surely be in the S**t if something happens to your or baby due to their neglegence (sp?) Surely they should realise this? Have you spoke to your Superiour about this?? They should know there stuff regarding employment law if they hire people to work for them... but so many employers don't bother their bums to find out.

as a pregnant worker you are also legally entitled to regular breaks if you need them. The whole situation sounds very out of order. If I were you I would contact who ever is above you in the organisation and voice your concerns. They sound like they are breaching several H&S regs and should not expect you (or others) to work in such conditions

Cheers guys its nice to know you lot dont think im mad! my DP and supervisor are telling me to get over it because I wasnt there when it happened they cant seem to understand that its not that easy and I can only picture that back door swinging in the wind!!
Plus all the other stress is making the job impossible to handle I will go to CAB on monday and find out the legal side then I will arrange a meeting with HR once I know how I stand. thanks again x

Ghostofchristmasnatt I am thinking of taking demotion so that I no longer have to open and close the shop and also wont have the responsibilty of training staff x

here you go

Why on earth would we think your mad??

Even if you weren't PG this would still be S**T.

The company seriously need to get their facts on employment law up to date other wise one day they will be in trouble and from the sounds of it it won't be long!

anotherone

Sorry MEGANDSOPH i may sound thick here but what are the links for? they just come up with microsoft and computer technology links!!

working + pregancy

Cheers WHIZZZ i have had a good read and they are already breaking a few there has been no risk assesment yet -I didnt realise you had to put it in writing about the pregnancy so I will get that done and then get a personal risk assesment done. Im having about 5 mins break a day to grab a sandwich let alone more breaks!! plus there isnt a seperate area for me to take my break (cos the back has no heating and lighting!!) Do you think me being too scared to be in the shop would be classed as a risk?
and also the shop opens at 10 and the cashier comes in at 12 so cant have a loo break if needed!!
I think things are going to have to change pretty quick if they dont want to be sued!! thanks all for your help at least I know what i need to discuss with CAB now x x

hmmm so sorry am poo at links lol

but if you goole employment whilst PG there is loads of information

If you feel scared then surely that is a risk.

When you go to CAB make sure you tell them everything and they will tell you everything also wether it could definetly be classed as a risk. The no breaks and no lighting is a RISK so that issue really does need sorting ASAP

I truely hope you get this sorted soon....

I think the fact that the shop has been broken into once and it sounds like there is inadquate security poses a real risk to employees in general. Good luck & glad to help