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Victimisation at work

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  • Victimisation at work

    Good evening all
    I am hoping somebody can give me some advice.
    I started a new job last year working with vulnerable adults with a probation period of 6 months. At the end of two months I had no choice but to resign. I hadn't even finished my first two weeks and had seen a number of poor practice issues and one of the supervisors seemed to take a dislike to me and belittled me in front of other staff. I reported this to the manager and then the job turned into a living hell. A number of colleagues (not all) and some who were senior to me made the job very awkward. I was ignored, spoke to like a piece of dirt, the room would go quiet if I walked in and again over the following five weeks I saw poor practice and although I was still learning the job I was refused assistance. I decided to try and ignore their behaviour towards me and do the job the best I could. After attending a probationary review meeting just before Christmas I was shocked when it was reported that my feedback from other colleagues was that I had spoken abruptly to two of them, had upset one colleague with negative comments about working there, I had no motivation, worked with no intuition and had to follow other staff rather than taking the lead. I strongly disagreed with this feedback and told the manager this even becoming very upset during our meeting. I explained how some staff had been treating me and again some of the poor practice I had seen and I was asked to put everything in writing. This was before Christmas and I was not due to return to work until after new year as I had already booked some annual leave. I became very down over Christmas and after speaking to my partner I decided that I was simply unable to return to work as I could not do my job properly in the environment other staff were putting me in and it was simply not fair on the people we were meant to be looking after on a daily basis. I told the manager this in a telephone conversation and she said she did not want me to leave she wanted me to put everything in writing so she could try to sort it all out. I e-mailed a 17 page letter to her detailing everything and was then contacted by her to provide a sick note. I said I am not sick I explained why I could not return to work and you said you were going to sort it out as you didn't want me to leave. She said she had misunderstood and could not authorise me not being at work so I was forced to resign. I have had no response as yet to my 17 page letter (sent nearly two weeks ago) only a letter from the manager stating certain things that were never even said or even happened plus this letter acknowledges the poor practice I highlighted which she states has been dealt with but cannot tell me the outcome due to confidentiality reasons but does not mention at all any of the problems I raised with regards to my treatment by other staff. She also states that because I had not made her aware of them before my resignation there is nothing she can do however I did make her aware of them before Christmas and nothing was done as she wanted it all in writing however I told her I could not do that until after Christmas with going away for new year. A colleague of mine also overheard a conversation by certain staff saying they were going to have to find a way to get rid of me which I told management and since I have left a colleague said in the main office she was sad I had left as she liked me and one of the other staff (who had made things awkward for me) said well you were the only one who did. I did have a good working relationship with some staff however from day one every staff member I spoke to made it clear that there were problems with practice and other staff. Certain staff dominate this work place and many of the staff are afraid to speak up as they say management do nothing about them. Unfortunately the management are friends with these people and tend to believe them over any of the other staff. I was not the only new starter and the others that started at the same time as me have had some similar difficulties however are afraid to speak up as they need the job. I do not know what to do from here. I feel like a black mark has been placed upon my work record. This was my first job since completing a degree. I took it to gain support work experience so I could apply to do a masters degree at a later date. I am now left with no wage, not sure about a reference and feel very let down by this company and my manager who encouraged me to speak out against the other staff then totally left me out in the dark.
    What can I do?
    Thank you anybody who can give me some advice.
    Tags: None

  • #2
    Re: Victimisation at work

    Hi cococat,

    I'm so sorry for what you are going through.

    I can't help you with employment advice (others on here will be along to share their expertise) but I do beg you to report this to the Care Quality Commission with some urgency. You can do this in complete confidence. They HAVE to record concerns and take them seriously and with luck expressing your concerns will make a real difference to future quality of care for the service users (and for staff!). Bad practice in Care Homes must be dealt with swiftly and thoroughly - my experience is that the Inspectors do act and that they do so with tact and efficiency. The ethos you describe must be absolutely horrible for service users and vulnerable adults rarely have an effective voice or the wherewithal to express their unhappiness .

    http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/report...e-member-staff

    This may also help with your own situation. Perhaps you can forward your 17 page letter to the Inspector?

    My thoughts are with you. x

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Victimisation at work

      Thank you Miss FM for your reply.
      I have looked at the CQC report for the home and some of the things stated simply do not happen in the home. It is such an awkward position to be in and I feel that the home gets away with too much as the staff are frightened to speak up. And if what has happened to me becomes common knowledge amongst the staff the will simply not speak up at all in fear that they will be pushed to leave as I have been.
      During my first two weeks when I shadowed other staff the amount of times it was said "we really shouldn't do this but......." was quite shocking. It may only be in some cases little things but its still wrong. And showing new members of staff this poor practice means it will just simply continue as they will think its acceptable.
      I was debating whether to send my letter to them as I feel I do have to make a stand. Its just a scary prospect to do this but if I don't who will stand up for these vulnerable people (who I so miss already) and against the staff that quite frankly are bullies.
      I think you are right I need to for my own conscience and their safety report this to the CQC.
      Thank you for your advice.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Victimisation at work

        Originally posted by cococat1 View Post
        Thank you Miss FM for your reply.
        I have looked at the CQC report for the home and some of the things stated simply do not happen in the home. It is such an awkward position to be in and I feel that the home gets away with too much as the staff are frightened to speak up. And if what has happened to me becomes common knowledge amongst the staff the will simply not speak up at all in fear that they will be pushed to leave as I have been.
        During my first two weeks when I shadowed other staff the amount of times it was said "we really shouldn't do this but......." was quite shocking. It may only be in some cases little things but its still wrong. And showing new members of staff this poor practice means it will just simply continue as they will think its acceptable.
        I was debating whether to send my letter to them as I feel I do have to make a stand. Its just a scary prospect to do this but if I don't who will stand up for these vulnerable people (who I so miss already) and against the staff that quite frankly are bullies.
        I think you are right I need to for my own conscience and their safety report this to the CQC.
        Thank you for your advice.
        I couldn't agree with you more, Cococat.

        The way the CQC would go about it would (probably) be to do unannounced visits and talk to members of staff and service users (or their representatives) alone and in confidence. Believe me, they will want things to be put right and they will take your concerns seriously. You could also contact your local "Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults" officer or team (it varies from LA to LA) - you can find this through Social Services or the local Health Board (who both will also have a stake, as they will be funding the service). If you feel that what is going on constitutes actual neglect or abuse then the police must be involved. The CQC will certainly offer you anonymity if you wish it.

        I know it takes courage - which you clearly have - but so many cases are coming to light where everyone has been bullied into silence, meanwhile the most vulnerable amongst us suffer - but as soon as one person speaks out the floodgates open....

        As said, others will advise as to whether you have a case for constructive unfair dismissal - whether you would legally be classed as a "whistleblower" (which I believe to be a protected characteristic) should you indeed blow the whistle.

        Whatever you choose to do you will get a great deal of support and help here.

        xx

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Victimisation at work

          I have placed another thread questioning PIDA and what they do to protect somebody in my position. I really hope somebody can help me with this.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Victimisation at work

            Originally posted by cococat1 View Post
            I have placed another thread questioning PIDA and what they do to protect somebody in my position. I really hope somebody can help me with this.
            link to new thread - http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...148#post509148 :tinysmile_twink_t2:
            Debt is like any other trap, easy enough to get into, but hard enough to get out of.

            It doesn't matter where your journey begins, so long as you begin it...

            recte agens confido

            ~~~~~

            Any advice I provide is given without liability, if you are unsure please seek professional legal guidance.

            I can be emailed if you need my help loading pictures/documents to your thread. My email address is Kati@legalbeagles.info
            But please include a link to your thread so I know who you are.

            Specialist advice can be sought via our sister site JustBeagle

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Victimisation at work

              Originally posted by cococat1 View Post
              Good evening all
              I am hoping somebody can give me some advice.
              I started a new job last year working with vulnerable adults with a probation period of 6 months. At the end of two months I had no choice but to resign. I hadn't even finished my first two weeks and had seen a number of poor practice issues and one of the supervisors seemed to take a dislike to me and belittled me in front of other staff. I reported this to the manager and then the job turned into a living hell. A number of colleagues (not all) and some who were senior to me made the job very awkward. I was ignored, spoke to like a piece of dirt, the room would go quiet if I walked in and again over the following five weeks I saw poor practice and although I was still learning the job I was refused assistance. I decided to try and ignore their behaviour towards me and do the job the best I could. After attending a probationary review meeting just before Christmas I was shocked when it was reported that my feedback from other colleagues was that I had spoken abruptly to two of them, had upset one colleague with negative comments about working there, I had no motivation, worked with no intuition and had to follow other staff rather than taking the lead. I strongly disagreed with this feedback and told the manager this even becoming very upset during our meeting. I explained how some staff had been treating me and again some of the poor practice I had seen and I was asked to put everything in writing. This was before Christmas and I was not due to return to work until after new year as I had already booked some annual leave. I became very down over Christmas and after speaking to my partner I decided that I was simply unable to return to work as I could not do my job properly in the environment other staff were putting me in and it was simply not fair on the people we were meant to be looking after on a daily basis. I told the manager this in a telephone conversation and she said she did not want me to leave she wanted me to put everything in writing so she could try to sort it all out. I e-mailed a 17 page letter to her detailing everything and was then contacted by her to provide a sick note. I said I am not sick I explained why I could not return to work and you said you were going to sort it out as you didn't want me to leave. She said she had misunderstood and could not authorise me not being at work so I was forced to resign. I have had no response as yet to my 17 page letter (sent nearly two weeks ago) only a letter from the manager stating certain things that were never even said or even happened plus this letter acknowledges the poor practice I highlighted which she states has been dealt with but cannot tell me the outcome due to confidentiality reasons but does not mention at all any of the problems I raised with regards to my treatment by other staff. She also states that because I had not made her aware of them before my resignation there is nothing she can do however I did make her aware of them before Christmas and nothing was done as she wanted it all in writing however I told her I could not do that until after Christmas with going away for new year. A colleague of mine also overheard a conversation by certain staff saying they were going to have to find a way to get rid of me which I told management and since I have left a colleague said in the main office she was sad I had left as she liked me and one of the other staff (who had made things awkward for me) said well you were the only one who did. I did have a good working relationship with some staff however from day one every staff member I spoke to made it clear that there were problems with practice and other staff. Certain staff dominate this work place and many of the staff are afraid to speak up as they say management do nothing about them. Unfortunately the management are friends with these people and tend to believe them over any of the other staff. I was not the only new starter and the others that started at the same time as me have had some similar difficulties however are afraid to speak up as they need the job. I do not know what to do from here. I feel like a black mark has been placed upon my work record. This was my first job since completing a degree. I took it to gain support work experience so I could apply to do a masters degree at a later date. I am now left with no wage, not sure about a reference and feel very let down by this company and my manager who encouraged me to speak out against the other staff then totally left me out in the dark.
              What can I do?
              Thank you anybody who can give me some advice.
              Don't worry about it, you're worth more than that. I just quit my job today after eleven years ... it feels numb at first, but you'll be OK. You will find that job you like!

              Comment

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