What should I do?

[XM80]

Hello,

I'm having a problem at work and really don't know what to do for the best.

The company I work for is small and run by one MD who is now 70. Over the last year she has become extremely forgetful and very aggressive when things don't go her way. I have been there for 6 years and have been very loyal, although I am continually being accused by her of neglecting my duties although I can often disprove this. On one occasion I was told I hadn't dealt with a situation when actually I had numerous emails to prove otherwise. Her reaction to this is "I don't care what you say!" then issued me a written warning stating that I had failed.

When I joined the company I was given a list of my duties and a job description but no contract. About 6 months after starting another manager (designer) left and I was asked to help cover his role for a few months to help prepare for an upcoming exhibition that was imminent. I am still covering this role!

Last summer I said I felt it was no longer fair that I wasn't being recompensed for this extra work. She agreed to increase my salary after negation and sent me to carry on with the words "you go and work on the designs and I'll inform accounts to raise your salary". After a few weeks I checked with account dept if the boss had informed them but she hadn't. I then reminded the boss of our agreement but she now said "I've decided not to give you extra money, but felt you might like a different reward...how would you like to travel instead?" By this time I had completed the design work as I thought we had a 'gentleman's' agreement.I didn't understand what "travel" as a reward meant but when I asked "what extra leave?" she said no not that. Needless to say no extra benefits have come my way.

With all of the extra work load and the continual stress caused by this lunatic of a boss it has had a big effect on my health. I have been suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and feeling totally trapped...I need the money and cannot just walk away as my GP advised me to do. As I result I now have to take medication for the panic attacks. What a life!

I cannot afford the £250+ per hour to talk to a solicitor. CAB are so busy and I doubt they have the strength to help properly. I am not in a Union as they are week in my industry. So I really don't know what to do anymore?

If anyone can offer any advice I'd be very grateful.

Many Thanks.

[PAWS]

Re: What should I do?

I am just giving this a bump for you. I am sure someone will be along soon to advise.

[Kati]

Re: What should I do?

[MENTION=19071]teaboy2[/MENTION] might be able to advise here (I've given him a bump for you) xx

[teaboy2]

Re: What should I do?

First of all she is in breach of section 1 of the employment rights act 1996 for failing to give you a written copy of your employment contract.

Second of all, even without a written contract, a contract was created as soon as you accepted the job offer. Without any variation to increase your duties, then your contracted only to do the duties that fall under your job description.

Now before i advise further, you mentioned she gave you a written warning. Did she carry out any formal disciplinary process at the time, or just simply hand it to you? Also how long ago was this?

Regarding her aggression and forgetfulness. It could be a sign of medical problems she is suffering from herself and given her age it certainly possible she may be suffering early stages of dementia or just simply age related memory loss, its likely this memory loss is what fuels her aggression as she probably gets frustrated with herself, and unfortunately for you, yourselves and your colleague are on the receiving end. Does the company have any other directors, or a company secretary that you could speak to about your concerns?

Regarding solicitors, speak to your home insurance as usually they cover you for legal advice on employment matters!

You can also speak to ACAS for free was well