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Original poster

Job offer withdrawn because I asked for a stool

123 replies

Charliescar · 30/09/2019 15:45

I was offered a job as a receptionist and they wanted me stand for 30 hours - one day for 9 hours . No stool at the reception desk .
I said I would accept if they provided a stool and that I have done the same job with a stool and it was fine . They said it would make the reception area less efficient. I am not sure if this is ok ? Any experts ?

OP posts:

LaurieFairyCake · 30/09/2019 17:44

I think you said in your last thread you're in your 40's and have some normal age related health issues?

I've just walked 7 miles (and done circuits and aqua aerobics today), am nearly 50, have arthritis and really bad hips/knees.

There's no way I could stand in one spot for more than half an hour on a hard surface without being in AGONY

Just because the OP is not 'registered disabled' doesn't mean she doesn't have conditions due to normal ageing that prohibit standing.

Standing is bad for us without being able to walk around and I do think the employer is completely unreasonable.

I've no idea whether it's age discrimination but I do think companies should think about normal age related issues with older workers.

MonnaLisa · 30/09/2019 17:52

To be honest, speaking as a client, I would not be offended at all if the receptionist was sitting down (or even laying down a la Mogg) when helping me if it's done politely and efficiently. I am sorry that for such a relatively menial detail they are not giving you the job!

Original poster

Charliescar · 30/09/2019 17:52

Alpaca - as I mentioned I have done that too ! I know the impact

OP posts:

Passthecherrycoke · 30/09/2019 17:58

I don’t think it’s age related discrimination (not sure that it’s conscious and even so it can’t be proven) but I do think this is a way of getting Young fit fashionable/ glamorous staff. Not to say you’re not OP, but I suspect they’re the type of salon looking for the 19 year olds with leather jeans and a crop top

EntropyRising · 30/09/2019 17:59

I don't understand why any employer would want an employee to stand for 9 hours a day.

Whether they're within their rights or not, it's a terribly stupid policy. You get good employees by treating them well.

smemorata · 30/09/2019 18:01

I can't believe people telling you it's fine to stand still for hours - it's most definitely not! I am on my feet, moving around for most of the time but can sit down when I need to. I don't have a disability but absolutely could not stand for hours - I don't think most people could.

Original poster

Charliescar · 30/09/2019 18:03

Thank you - some of your comments have really helped @LaurieFairyCake you have really understand! I too do exercise like you

OP posts:

crimsonlake · 30/09/2019 18:14

OP you have another thread running where you discuss if you should take the job offer given your health issue. The majority of responses were advising against accepting. You did the right thing to ask about a stool, they did not consent. Time to start applying for other jobs, good luck.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 30/09/2019 18:16

@Charliescar, they sound like awful employers imposing that condition for no other reason than that it looks "tidier" Im sure you wouldn't have taken advantage of the concession. I had to stand all day on the shop floor when I was a student and even with youth and good health, my back and feet ached at the end of the day. You did well to put your health first in this instance and I hope you find a better employer soon

TheHonestTruth100 · 30/09/2019 18:47

OP you've 100% dodged a bullet there. I'm in my 20s and would struggle to stand on the spot for 9 hours.

EntropyRising · 30/09/2019 19:14

I'm actually discomforted myself by seeing this when I go into shops, it's obvious where it's a policy.

It makes me so much happier when I'm shopping/having my hair done/etc to interact with laid back, happy, professional people.

jillb55 · 01/10/2019 17:30

Standing is tiring, and boring. You are not being unreasonable, they are.

timeaftertime79 · 01/10/2019 17:31

Having worked in hairdressers (albeit a long time ago) this is the norm. I was a Saturday assistant in my teens and we were in no terms allowed to sit down. We had to find something else to do in quiet times, such as cleaning or stock taking. I’m assuming you’ll be asked to do the same.

Toomuchtrouble4me · 01/10/2019 17:32

I agree - as a teacher I was mainly on my feet all day but to stand still all day is a different matter - unless you are a queens guard with a big furry hat - you should get a stool imo.

StarlingsInSummer · 01/10/2019 17:39

I don’t think you were unreasonable to ask, but I suppose if you don’t have a disability, they’re within their rights to refuse. Probably not a great place to work, so maybe you’ve dodged a bullet. And I agree walking around for 8 hours is very different to standing still for that length of time.

As an aside, I once went to have my hair cut at the local hairdressing college, and the trainee asked me to stand up while she cut my hair as she was getting a bad back bending down. I don’t think hairdressing was the career for her!

janj2301 · 01/10/2019 17:56

I work on a checkout. I can only sit down if I provide a doctors note. That cost me £15, worth every penny and I only do 4 hour shifts. How my full time colleagues manage I don't know.

Kate0902900908 · 01/10/2019 18:12

YANBU!!!!
I can’t believe people are saying you are! 9 hours no rest your poor feet! No no no be glad you don’t work there absolutely ridiculous

One of my oldest friends works at a very prestigious salon and there is no way this would be acceptable

UndomesticHousewife · 01/10/2019 18:14

Every hairdressing salon I've been to the receptionist was sitting on a stool

adaline · 01/10/2019 18:33

We're not allowed stools at work. If I'm on the cash register I stand still all day - often for 8/9 hour shifts.

It's not enjoyable but it's life in most shops. I've never had a job where I've been allowed to sit down unless I'm on breaks or in meetings.

Butchyrestingface · 01/10/2019 18:33

I don't think you were unreasonable to ask, OP. Their loss, as you say.

Incidentally, what kind of shoes would you be wearing? Was there a dress code? Any expectation you'd wear heals?

pennwood · 01/10/2019 18:36

The Workplace Regulations 1992 state that employers must supply suitable seating if employees are able to perform their duties sitting down. It perhaps was not put forward in the best way at interview when others applying for the position were not requesting anything and appeared better candidates.

gill1960 · 01/10/2019 18:37

I can't stand without fainting like lots of people because the blood goes to our feet.

I wouldn't want to work anywhere where I wasn't offered a stool with a back for body posture and body rest.

Its not normal to expect employees to stand for shifts

Teddybear45 · 01/10/2019 18:37

When you remove sitting all you really do is encourage leaning. It’s far less professional looking.

MummyMayo1988 · 01/10/2019 18:37

Sorry OP but YABU. There are plenty of long houred jobs that people do without sitting down. Shop assistants for example. I worked in a shop as a teen; 10 hours per day - 5 days a week and I didn't have a stall. Either accept the terms or look for another job.

snowbear66 · 01/10/2019 18:44

I don't blame you. My mum got really bad varicose veins from standing in a retail job.

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