Job horror
Question
I've worked for my current employer for 12 months and feel like I'm being badly treated. Some of the jobs I'm made to do are disgusting and I think health and safety officials would be appalled at the conditions. Also, I'm pretty sure that some of the other employees are claiming income support that they're not entitled too. The whole situation is really worrying me - what should I do?
Answer
If possible, you should start by speaking to someone in your company about your concerns. If you can't talk directly to your line manager, you could try taking out a formal grievance.
It's unclear from your question exactly what kind of jobs you are told to do, but if you feel that your health and safety is at risk or that you are in any danger from doing these, then you can refuse to do the job and tell your employer why.
You can also inform the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the body responsible for health and safety regulation in Great Britain, if you have any further concerns. Their information line number is 0845 345 0055.
If the situation is really bad, you could consider going to an Employment Tribunal. For information and advice about this process you can contact your trade union (if you belong to one), or your local Citizens Advice Bureau or law centre.
If, as you say, the company is employing people who are on income support, then both it and the employees are committing fraud. You could call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 to make a complaint.
You might also want to consider contacting the ACAS helpline on 08457 474747 and talk your situation through with them. Be assured, you have options to take action and get more support for yourself.
Question answered by bss
