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Aibu- management imposing a money jar incase we say specific phrases

138 replies

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:11

So during my probation chat today my new manager (who started a few months after me- not sure if that's important or not) told me upper management are imposing a jar (sort of like a swear jar) for if we say phrases such as "how can I help you" or "what are you looking for today?"
She says they're putting it into all of our stores nationwide but I feel uneasy about it.

We work at a beauty retailer who are a huge worldwide chain. The money from the jar will be given to charity rather than in their pockets which makes me feel slightly better about it, however, I am still quiet unhappy about it, especially since she then back tracked and said they're trying to find anyway to get money in the tills.
They are trying to get us to avoid using the phrases as above but the money doesn't come out of our wages but instead the change we have on us at the time of our shift.

I told my manager today that I am literally working pay check to pay check so will not be contributing as I have a small child to feed. She said it's a light hearted incentive to get us to not use those phrases but I feel it's quite intrusive. I was also told we have no choice but to take part - I told her that I wouldn't.

I'm just looking for others opinions on this? Would you be happy to abide by this? Can they actually impose this? Or Am I just being over the top?

Thank you in advance Smile

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AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 21/07/2021 19:28

Although I'm an employment lawyer in that case @crapcrap I'd say that fining employees isn't allowed

Hopefully a real employment lawyer will see this and confirm the legislation but tbh it doesn't sound like a good fit for you so probably time to polish up your CV

StealthPolarBear · 21/07/2021 19:29

Whaddya you wankers want?
I'm guessing that's OK to say to prospective customers?

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:29

@AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair

Although I'm an employment lawyer in that case *@crapcrap* I'd say that fining employees isn't allowed

Hopefully a real employment lawyer will see this and confirm the legislation but tbh it doesn't sound like a good fit for you so probably time to polish up your CV

I totally agree and did say I didn't think I was a good fit after today which she objected and told me I was amazing at what I do... I am sorting out my CV though because I don't like what the company stands for
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crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:29

@StealthPolarBear

Whaddya you wankers want? I'm guessing that's OK to say to prospective customers?
Amazing- will try it tomorrow Grin
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00100001 · 21/07/2021 19:30

@leakymcleakleak

OP if you are genuinely saying you got a below standard on your probation for objecting to your employer docking your wages, then you need to call ACAS. Or possibly a journalist.
That isn't what she's saying at all.

She's saying she got below standard because she wasn't being a pushy enough sales person.

The whole "swear jar" things is separate

emsyj37 · 21/07/2021 19:31

They are taking it out of your wages though, aren't they, where else would the cash in your pocket come from??
I would first call ACAS and then call the National Minimum Wage team at HMRC www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/national-minimum-wage-enquiries-and-complaints

Nojobforoldmums · 21/07/2021 19:31

Ask if they would be happy for the company name, the policy and salary level of employee impacted to be public knowledge. And if they consider asking that to be a threat, do they really think it is acceptable policy?

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:32

[quote emsyj37]They are taking it out of your wages though, aren't they, where else would the cash in your pocket come from??
I would first call ACAS and then call the National Minimum Wage team at HMRC www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/national-minimum-wage-enquiries-and-complaints[/quote]
Yes I guess so, I will give it a try. Thank you

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OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 21/07/2021 19:32

@skipperjonce

It's Lush isn't it. Wankers.
Just what I thought. They pull any old shite to rake it in.
HalzTangz · 21/07/2021 19:32

Ask them to set up a salary sacrifice scheme for you to make your contribution.
They want do it as it will take your wage to below liveable.
Then repeat this is why I'm not putting money in the Jar, but do feel free for the company to make contributions on my behalf.

Wavypurple · 21/07/2021 19:33

I absolutely would not be putting money in a jar.
That is so weird.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:33

@HalzTangz

Ask them to set up a salary sacrifice scheme for you to make your contribution. They want do it as it will take your wage to below liveable. Then repeat this is why I'm not putting money in the Jar, but do feel free for the company to make contributions on my behalf.
Love this- I'll definitely have to write it on my hand for tomorrow Grin
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emsyj37 · 21/07/2021 19:34

Very good point/suggestion from @Nojobforoldmums!

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:35

@Nojobforoldmums

Ask if they would be happy for the company name, the policy and salary level of employee impacted to be public knowledge. And if they consider asking that to be a threat, do they really think it is acceptable policy?
Good idea- I will have to try
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NoSquirrels · 21/07/2021 19:36

They sound like a terrible company to work for.

Ignore the jar. Say what you like to the customers. Look for a new job.

Bunnyfuller · 21/07/2021 19:36

You def need to ask what the alternatives are!

‘Buy this or they effectively dock my wages and my child will starve’?

Primarni?

IRanSoFarAway1 · 21/07/2021 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:38

@IRanSoFarAway1

I am speechless

Write down "I am rendered speechless by your horrific behaviour and will only communicate with customers using emojis on the phone you will have to supply now. You have money in the jar".

I was too when she told me.

I said it was out of order and they shouldn't be putting financial pressure on their employees no matter how big or small. She said that we just have to do our jobs right then

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crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:39

@Bunnyfuller

You def need to ask what the alternatives are!

‘Buy this or they effectively dock my wages and my child will starve’?

Primarni?

I will be tomorrow- I said to her earlier that between myself and her that I couldn't afford to waste any money no matter how much or little and she told me that I have to do my job right then
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Whiskycav · 21/07/2021 19:39

Op, this is shocking.

Its not lighthearted and its not fun.

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:40

@Whiskycav

Op, this is shocking.

Its not lighthearted and its not fun.

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that thinks so?
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MaggieFS · 21/07/2021 19:41

Really out of order behaviour.

And they should be training you in the phrases they do want you to use! I assume it's to avoid closed questions, such a as the classic 'can I help you?' to which the browser says no and legs it out of the shop.

OP, get a couple of appropriate open questions etched in your mind and hopefully this won't be a thing anyway.

QueenOfPain · 21/07/2021 19:42

Union!

QueenOfPain · 21/07/2021 19:43

And hope that the DM picks this thread up!

crapcrap · 21/07/2021 19:44

@MaggieFS

Really out of order behaviour.

And they should be training you in the phrases they do want you to use! I assume it's to avoid closed questions, such a as the classic 'can I help you?' to which the browser says no and legs it out of the shop.

OP, get a couple of appropriate open questions etched in your mind and hopefully this won't be a thing anyway.

Yes you're right- they said thy at you don't need training for retail... right after I'd just finished my training manual Hmm but yes I better get some phrases etched into my brain
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