Breach of Trust and Confidence

[Ausmo87]

Hi all, wonder if you can provide me with some steer here, as I feel as though I've been let down - if not from a legal point of view, from an ethical point of view - and I feel as though I have no one to turn to.

So, I recently disclosed to a more senior colleague (Operations Manager), information about an offer of employment I've received from an ex-employer. I done this in complete confidence; and the Operations Manager agreed not to breach this confidence. I'm friend with the Operations Manager outside work - and that's where the conversation took place - outside work, outside working hours, in private, as part of a casual conversation. In fact, during the conversation, the Operations Manager also disclosed to me some pretty hot opinions about the company board, and direction of the company.

Fast forward 1-week, and I find out that the Operations Manager has disclosed my conversation to the Managing Director, on the basis that it was "necessary that he knew" so that he could "ensure stability" in the team. Now, luckily, the Managing Director is understanding, and wants to have a constructive conversation about my other offer.

If I were the Operations Manager, and it *was* absolutely necessary that the Managing Director knew about the situation, I would have spoken told the Managing Director that "someone" in the team has received another offer, and that I'd encourage them to come forward to talk about it. I'd then talk to me, and tell me that I should come forward, that my confidence has not been breached, but that the Managing Director has been softened up to a conversation about someone's future in the business.

But that's not the point. I have to report into, and spend a significant part of my day working with the Operations Manager, whom, obviously, I now know I cannot trust as far as I can throw them.

If I so wanted to (and I don't), I could disclose to the Managing Director, the nature of the Operations Manager's opinions about the board - but I won't as a point of principle; and because I agreed to keep that information in confidence.

I have worked for my employer for 2 and a half years now - and I've never felt like this before. I feel that I cannot trust my line manager with anything anymore.

Honestly, I feel completely betrayed. Am I justified in feeling betrayed? Was it too much to expect the explicit confidence that I gained from the Operations Manager (and my friend, outside work, off-premises), would be held?

Do I have any recourse?

Thank you.

[atticus]

I think you have been naive. Your manager has obligations towards the company.

Given how you feel, maybe you should take that offer.

[Retromau5]

Hello, on a personal level you're well within your rights to feel betrayed by someone you felt comfortable to have that conversation with, but take the small positive that you now have a better understanding of what kind of person they are, and learn from it. On a professional level, it seems that you could be in a good position with this. An offer from a previous employer, and the opportunity to renegotiate you current employment, you're clearly valued, so again take the positive from this.

No good will come from objecting to this, there's no detriment to you. Speak to the MD and keep your integrity, and remember only you look out for you.