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Or not?! Has anyone packed in a job because of the way they've been treated even though they can't really afford to?

12 replies

TwinkleInSantasEye · 14/12/2006 12:41

Sorry for the long title. Work has been so cr*ppy to me since I told them I was pregnant. They are now being really difficult about flexible working when I go back in January. In fact, my manager hasn't even responded to my request for a meeting, made nearly three weeks ago. I am utterly fed up with the whole thing and I have reached the point where I am on the verge of resigning. However, I have to pay back some of my maternity pay if I don't go back for three months - at the moment this feels like a sacrifice worth making. I do need to work but I really feel like it would be worth the risk to resign now, before I have to go back, and try to find something in a couple of months. DH is working but it is contract work so not a reliable income. The plan was for him to stay at home with DS initially until we feel he's old enough for nursery. If I pack work in now, I would be able to stay at home for a while which is what I always wanted to do anyway - it was only finances that were stopping me. Sorry for the rambling, I would be really interested to hear others experiences. Thanks.

OP posts:
TwinkleInSantasEye · 14/12/2006 13:08

Please, anyone?? I'm about the write the letter!

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Mumpbump · 14/12/2006 13:09

I would suggest that you stick it out and speak to a solicitor before doing anything. If they are being that horrid to you, you may have a case for sexual discrimination and (whilst I wouldn't recommend actually litigating to anyone) you might be able to negotiate a good pay-off. One of my friends went through something similar when her work wanted to get rid of her whilst pg and they paid her a cash sum equivalent to the maternity leave plus benefits.

Don't resign without getting legal advice first - most solicitors will give you the initial consultation for free.

Mumpbump · 14/12/2006 13:11

PS - and I know a very good employment solicitor in a small London firm, if that helps...

TwinkleInSantasEye · 14/12/2006 13:15

Thanks Mumpbump. Thing is I'm sure they're not doing anything illegal. It's local government and it think it's mostly down to sheer incompetence and an unsympathetic manager. But I've put up with LG incompetence for so long now I just haven't the patience for it any more. And I was dreading going back in any case.

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Mumpbump · 14/12/2006 13:20

Well, the difficult thing about sexual harrassment and discrimination is that they are subjective so the intention behind the offending behaviour is irrelevant. If you will struggle for cash, I am sure you could get something out of them by threatening legal action, provided there is some basis for doing so. Seriously, have a chat to a solicitor - it shouldn't cost anything and could get you a few grand to tide you over until you find something else...

xmasstocking · 14/12/2006 13:25

Twinkle - I agree with Mump = please seek legal advice first before resigning. I have the details somewhere of a law firm who specialise in maternity employment law and offer free consultations so it won't cost you anything to ring and explain - they will let you know if there is anything worth pursuing - and just cos it is the local government, doesn't mean they always follow the guidelines (trust me I have worked in a LG HR department)!! Deffo worth a ring (I telephoned them about my work situation and they were very good) - let me know if you want the details.

Also, you may not have a case (but stress again, get legal advice on this) but as Mump says, if you threaten it, they might back down and offer you some financial recompense when and if you do resign (such as not paying back your maternity pay etc) - again worth a shot.

IMO money is far too important when you have a baby just to walk away cos the other option seems to hard.

Think about it hun
X

TwinkleInSantasEye · 14/12/2006 17:01

Thanks Xmas. You must think I'm a right whinger! I'm going to do some sums with DH and take it from there. I see what you're all saying but it's just not in my nature to make a big fuss, unfortunately, which is probably why I tend to get walked over. I'm also worried about the effect on my references. The thing is I really do hate the job, but I think it may take a kick up the arse like having NO money to MAKE me go and find something else. It's a lack of confidence I think - my field is pretty specialised and other employers seem to have trouble seeing past the job title to the many transferable skills.

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VeniVidiVickiQV · 14/12/2006 17:02

Me!

They have 14 days to respond to your first letter I believe so you can take them to tribunal on that basis alone.

going to tribunal with mine end of Jan.

TwinkleInSantasEye · 14/12/2006 17:07

Oh wow - thanks Veni! Nice to meet you on the other thread as well btw.

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TwinkleInSantasEye · 14/12/2006 17:25

VeniVidiVickiQV - I've been trying to find a document that states that they should have acknowledged my letter within 14 days. Do you remember where you got that from?

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VeniVidiVickiQV · 14/12/2006 17:32

Ah - you could try the DTI website (dept trade and industry) - will have a quick google.

VeniVidiVickiQV · 14/12/2006 17:35

dammit - its 28 days....

see here....page 49 is a flow chart summary.

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