Hello,
I'm not sure whether I am posting this in the correct place as, it merges into pregnancy and relationship issues too!
I have worked for my parents company for 8 years and it hasn't really been easy but, I love my job and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
A lot of people think that I must reap the benefits of working for DM and DF but, it is the absolute opposite. They try so hard not to show me any favouritism, that they actually end up treating me unfairly a lot of the time.
I started off in one department and (quite rightly) had an interview with the department manager at the time, just like everyone else, before earning my place. I then, after 1.5 years applied for a job in another department and interviewed (like everyone else) with the department manager before getting the job.
After 6 years of service, I was told I could be 'trial supervisor' of the department. This meant that I would have responsibility over other members off staff and their workload but, I wouldn't be paid any more money. (I note, no other department managers had to endure an unpaid trial, before earning their promotion)
After 7 years of service, my 'trial' paid off as, my line manager (we will call her X for the purpose of the story) was moved to a new role due to incompetency (I know this because, probably inappropriately, this was disclosed to me by DM and DF) and I was promoted to department manager.
DF is CEO
DM is a Director
The Managing Director is unrelated to me and none of the other 7 department managers are related to me.
DF held review meetings with all department managers about 3 weeks ago. During my meeting, he asked who my line manager was. I advised that I wasn't exactly sure because, it was a bit of a grey area since my promotion. I had asked DM in the past and she told me it was X. However, I told DF that I disputed this as, all other 7 department managers answer directly to the MD. So, why was I any different. DF advised that he would clarify this for me.
About a week ago, I emailed DF and asked him if he had concluded who my line manager was. He replied "It is X, then DM, then MD :)"
I was pretty fuming as, this means that at 26 years of age and 8 years service, it seems I am still a long way off any progression in the company. The only reason I didn't react or dispute this, is because, of my imminent leave.
Next issue...
I receive a quarterly company profit share. As do all department managers. I have asked a few times about my rights to receive this whilst I am off and up until this morning, was yet to receive clarification on this.
I emailed DM and said
Hello, In my review, I discussed profit share with DF and he said as it is factored when calculated average wage, it is included in my mat pay. I explained that is only for first 6 weeks and then, I get fixed amount of 140 per month as SMP and he said oh well if that is how it is but, I will ask mum. Don’t know if he mentioned? I looked it up and as profit share isn’t classed as performance related, it said it will be in contract/up to company whether they pay but, I understand if you choose not to pay me it. Just wanted to check as, I assume it isn’t in contract but, I haven’t actually checked! xx
She replied
It is £148.68 per week not per month.
The first 6 weeks will be paid on your average earnings from your last 13 weeks worked so will include your profit share in that figure.
I replied
Sorry, I meant per week! I know that already. I am asking about the rest of the time I am off x
She replied
No sorry profit share wont be paid when you are on maternity – but you will benefit from getting profit share included in your first 6 weeks cos you wouldn’t earn that much if you were just working normally.
I have just checked Citizens Advice website and it said If your bonus is based on company profits, you should get your full bonus.
So sorry for the extremely long story, just wanted to give the full picture!!!
Should I dispute this with DM and DF and/or should I contact citizens advice?
DP told me to stop being so soft as, if they weren't family, I would be disputing. It is so difficult though because, I have always struggled with my family (I have one DS also) because, being the youngest, I get a lot of grief and even DP gets it in the neck at times. I get treated like a child a lot and DS (who doesn't work for the company) gets a lot more respect than I do.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!