We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Released from voluntary position - help!

liverpoolste
Posts: 50 Forumite
Hi everyone 
I've registered on here to put forth a real problem which I can't seem to see a straight forward solution to....:idea: From reading through the forum it seems very informative, so hopefully I'll get a good bit of advice and lighten my mood (hopefully) at the same time :think:
I am currently claiming JSA and started volunteering for an organisation which was hopefully going to employ me under the Future Jobs Fund after doing a months volunteering with them first. That FJF post would have lasted for 6 months and then I would have gone onto the company pay structure. One month turned into two, then three and now nearly four as the funding wasn't released until recently THEN we found out I hadn't met the criteria as I hadn't been claiming benefits long enough! :wall: Anyway I was due to start on 1st Feb earning 20k :j:j
Moving on, my partner (now ex) placed on her facebook profile page a wild accusation that I was having an affair with someone from the office (I wasn't!) - we have gone to the shops a few times on our lunch breaks THAT'S IT! I told my colleague instantly and she was upset initially but brushed it off as she also (thankfully) seen it for the juvenile-esque behaviour for what it was. I was telling my team leader, as we're a close knit group who discuss most things :grouphug: - when she invited someone over to hear some "juicy goss" (this lady is from another company who gives mine a contract but I know her and felt comfortable to disclose in front of her as it wasn't greatly confidential). Before I began to tell them I did make it clear it was not work related and I'd need their strictest confidence. They agreed. I told them and got valuable feedback and in essence calmed down too
This week I was talking to my boss as he had a gross misconduct situation happening and didn't know who was responsible - so was asking me. He'd already sent home someone earlier for being the prime suspect (which was was proven to be correct). Whilst I was there the 2nd in command came into work and sat down to listen. She then said she had something else to bring up concerning one of the contractors that she'd heard! She said the lady in Q who I'd initially told with my team leader had just asked non-chalantly on the phone how my work colleague was feeling over the internet thing? :huh:
Obviously the contractor wasn't privvy to the fact that even though we are all close in the company - we do keep certain things from the BIG bosses that doesn't need to be in their minds about us! Her intentions were obviously in the right place though.
2nd in command said I'd acted "inappropriate" towards a colleague (my team leader) by discussing personal life (she doesn't know we ALL do it!) and that "I acted grossly inappropriate in front of a contractor". My boss, the chairman of the company, stood up and went and washed his face. Called me a "!!!!!!!!" (or behaving like one I can't remember) and told me to take the day off! When I said I wasn't a !!!!!!!! he then said "Tell you what, just go home....."
Apparently he then convened a meeting of the company and informed everyone he'd send anyone out the door if they acted inappropriately in the future..... My team had a meeting and they were told by the 2nd in command I would not be coming back!
The other lad went back into the office on Friday - his case was more serious (as he brought the company name into disrepute with DWP) yet I haven't had a call to go back in for something that's embarrassing to my colleague, my ex and myself only _pale_
Do I have any redress? My job was my life - I enjoyed it that much that I gave near 4 months voluntary (suffered the humiliation of signing every fortnight whilst my colleagues picked up healthy wages), would've volunteered forever if need be as I believe in the organisations vision. Gave my all when others didn't give as much as they became complacent. Finished with my partner (and split my family as we have a 3 y.o daughter together) - to protect my work interests.
Really going out of my mind and I'm sick with worry. I've text my boss asking for 30 minutes of his time as I've given near 4 months of mine BUT HEARD NOTHING.
I have other team leaders within the place singing my praises as my salaried position in Feb was within another section (mentor instead of employment advisor), hence why the 2nd in command who is employment has a vested interest in 'stitching'me.
Was my supposed crime that severe and is the punishment apt? Everyone seems to think it's an over reaction and there must be some sinister behind the scenes motive to it all.
I don't know where to go from here?
Apologies for the long windedness of it all but hopefully everyone will get a feel for the story and be able to provide answers without needing much background info :think:
** I'm teetotal and have been out two nights on the run!lol Really just a blocker I guess but documents the effect on my sanity! **
Stephen :undecided

I've registered on here to put forth a real problem which I can't seem to see a straight forward solution to....:idea: From reading through the forum it seems very informative, so hopefully I'll get a good bit of advice and lighten my mood (hopefully) at the same time :think:
I am currently claiming JSA and started volunteering for an organisation which was hopefully going to employ me under the Future Jobs Fund after doing a months volunteering with them first. That FJF post would have lasted for 6 months and then I would have gone onto the company pay structure. One month turned into two, then three and now nearly four as the funding wasn't released until recently THEN we found out I hadn't met the criteria as I hadn't been claiming benefits long enough! :wall: Anyway I was due to start on 1st Feb earning 20k :j:j
Moving on, my partner (now ex) placed on her facebook profile page a wild accusation that I was having an affair with someone from the office (I wasn't!) - we have gone to the shops a few times on our lunch breaks THAT'S IT! I told my colleague instantly and she was upset initially but brushed it off as she also (thankfully) seen it for the juvenile-esque behaviour for what it was. I was telling my team leader, as we're a close knit group who discuss most things :grouphug: - when she invited someone over to hear some "juicy goss" (this lady is from another company who gives mine a contract but I know her and felt comfortable to disclose in front of her as it wasn't greatly confidential). Before I began to tell them I did make it clear it was not work related and I'd need their strictest confidence. They agreed. I told them and got valuable feedback and in essence calmed down too

This week I was talking to my boss as he had a gross misconduct situation happening and didn't know who was responsible - so was asking me. He'd already sent home someone earlier for being the prime suspect (which was was proven to be correct). Whilst I was there the 2nd in command came into work and sat down to listen. She then said she had something else to bring up concerning one of the contractors that she'd heard! She said the lady in Q who I'd initially told with my team leader had just asked non-chalantly on the phone how my work colleague was feeling over the internet thing? :huh:
Obviously the contractor wasn't privvy to the fact that even though we are all close in the company - we do keep certain things from the BIG bosses that doesn't need to be in their minds about us! Her intentions were obviously in the right place though.
2nd in command said I'd acted "inappropriate" towards a colleague (my team leader) by discussing personal life (she doesn't know we ALL do it!) and that "I acted grossly inappropriate in front of a contractor". My boss, the chairman of the company, stood up and went and washed his face. Called me a "!!!!!!!!" (or behaving like one I can't remember) and told me to take the day off! When I said I wasn't a !!!!!!!! he then said "Tell you what, just go home....."
Apparently he then convened a meeting of the company and informed everyone he'd send anyone out the door if they acted inappropriately in the future..... My team had a meeting and they were told by the 2nd in command I would not be coming back!
The other lad went back into the office on Friday - his case was more serious (as he brought the company name into disrepute with DWP) yet I haven't had a call to go back in for something that's embarrassing to my colleague, my ex and myself only _pale_
Do I have any redress? My job was my life - I enjoyed it that much that I gave near 4 months voluntary (suffered the humiliation of signing every fortnight whilst my colleagues picked up healthy wages), would've volunteered forever if need be as I believe in the organisations vision. Gave my all when others didn't give as much as they became complacent. Finished with my partner (and split my family as we have a 3 y.o daughter together) - to protect my work interests.
Really going out of my mind and I'm sick with worry. I've text my boss asking for 30 minutes of his time as I've given near 4 months of mine BUT HEARD NOTHING.
I have other team leaders within the place singing my praises as my salaried position in Feb was within another section (mentor instead of employment advisor), hence why the 2nd in command who is employment has a vested interest in 'stitching'me.
Was my supposed crime that severe and is the punishment apt? Everyone seems to think it's an over reaction and there must be some sinister behind the scenes motive to it all.
I don't know where to go from here?
Apologies for the long windedness of it all but hopefully everyone will get a feel for the story and be able to provide answers without needing much background info :think:
** I'm teetotal and have been out two nights on the run!lol Really just a blocker I guess but documents the effect on my sanity! **
Stephen :undecided
0
Comments
-
Firstly, stop the drinking or you won't think clearly!
I'm not sure if I'm understanding right but aren't there two issues here, one to do with the fact you don't qualify for getting the job anyway through this method because of not being on benefits long enough and secondly whether or not you still have your volunteer job?
Texting your boss is not the way to go about it! You should ring and ask what is happening during work time as you need to be clear what your situation is.Torgwen.....................
0 -
Basically you was volunteering have no contract, etc... so you didn't have a job to lose in the first place. They have simply said they don't want you to volunteer any more.
I'm sure there's more to it than what you wrote, or at least I hope so - as it reads you sacrificed your relationship for your volunteer job which seems ridiculous to me.
Theres a line between social life and work - and it can be hard to remember at times. As soon as you walk through your office you should enter professional mode. You are an employee - you're not their to chat and gossip. In future try to make a clearer distinction between work and social.
There is a difference between respect and friendship. In our social life friendship is important, at work respect is what counts. Who cares if they are your friends, but they must respect you. By telling them about your personal life you really didn't act correctly imo.whinge intr.v. whinged, whing·ing, whing·es Chiefly British To complain or protest, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.0 -
Apolonation wrote: »Basically you was volunteering have no contract, etc... so you didn't have a job to lose in the first place. They have simply said they don't want you to volunteer any more.
...................................................................................................
By telling them about your personal life you really didn't act correctly imo.
Sorry I failed to explain clearly. Yes I was ineligible for Future Jobs Fund as an employmet Advisor so I went to the Chairman who sanctioned my overall volunteering job and asked to become a Mentor (where there was a vacancy) which is a permanent job on that salary of 20k and which would start Feb 1st so yes I have possibly lost my paid position before starting. Future Jobs Fund employees get minimum wage as it's propped up with government funding.
There is a background really with the 2nd in charge (my boss) as I went directly to the Chairman and was told "I'd failed to recognise the line of management", hence her vested interest to screw things up for me, however trivial, whilst I was wrapping up my involvement with the employment team.
SO she wasn't happy from the beginning as she chose and interviewed her team THEN I came in after the Chairman said so. Then went above her and spoke to him (I didn't feel confident or trusting of her to approach).
I see your point about professional life and personal BUT the environment in our work place is a talking one (we deal with ex-offenders) so know the in and outs of a ducks behind, if you pardon the expression! We're very close and without seeming corny, had bonded like a real family sharing/expressing our thoughts when clientele weren't in. It did lead to a healthy and happy environment but since I tendered my inclination to shift roles the environment all of a sudden feels corrosive :shocked:
I text the chairman as he's not a 'suit' chairman - he's approachable and usually is friendly. He does have a short patience level though and I feel he is being manipulated by the 2nd in command as he obviously has a closer and better working relationship than I do.....
Can only hope. I've tried looking into rights of volunteer workers and looked over the ACAS website. I don't want to rock the boat though until I know which way I'm to be dealt with - I could seal my exit if I act too rash!
Leaving me in limbo though with hardly any senior management support (just keeping me informed and lessening my anxiety), except for my hopefully new team leader IS a real poor way to treat loyal servants of a company.
With regards to giving up my relationship as it threatened my job. It's basically a selfish act that I have never ever in my life known someone to do. So obtuse and small minded, where they'd be as vindictive as to bring a persons life crashing down. She was a woman scorned - without being scorned!0 -
Firstly, stop the drinking or you won't think clearly!
Just an outlet - been going along with one of my clients! :beer: But we're that close to them now we treat some as friends. We all have work mobiles (which I still currrently have but not treating that as a security blanket as that would be false hope) to contact/be contacted by our clients/mentees.
Eye opener too - I'm 31 and haven't been out in years. Brought back some much missed enjoyment and lifting my spirit at a really bad time. I know alcohol is a blocker to real situations and can cloud your best judgement but if I wasn't going out I'd probably be wanting to jump in the Mersey (no joke either!)0 -
Tbh I don't think you have any rights, being a volunteer - as has already been said it seems that they simply no longer require your services as a volunteer.
Also from what you have said it is your team leader that has acted unprofessionally - if someone in a team that I managed wanted to speak to me on a matter similar to yours then why would they broadcast it to someone from outside the organisation let alone internally ?
For what's it worth I think the issue you raised with your team leader was a valid one to raise - especially if there was a possibility that your ex may have caused trouble in the workplace - either for you or the other party.2014 Target;
To overpay CC by £1,000.
Overpayment to date : £310
2nd Purse Challenge:
£15.88 saved to date0 -
Oh dear,
I do feel sorry for you over this, just another reason for hating these online networking sites, they can be so damaging to people's reputations. It's so easy for one person to slag off another online without really taking heed of the damage it can do.
Your boss seems rather sensitive (unsurprising if it can impinge on his company), and I think you need to give it time to cool off before making any further moves.
I can't help with any more advice than that, but reading between lines I can see that it is an organisation where client confidentiality is very important, so perhaps you are being seen as a potential confidentiality risk.
I hope you can get it sorted.
Cheers, HG0 -
mountainofdebt wrote: »Also from what you have said it is your team leader that has acted unprofessionally - if someone in a team that I managed wanted to speak to me on a matter similar to yours then why would they broadcast it to someone from outside the organisation let alone internally ?
I understand, but I hadn't approached it as though it was an official word - I just went back into the office and said to her "Oh you won't guess what's happened - I've got some goss to tell?" and that's when the other organisations person was asked did she want to hear/have an input? With hindsight I should've bitten my lip until she'd gone BUT I didn't feel uncomfortable telling the other person as we do know her pretty well. She actually gave some pretty good and reassuring advice too! I did ask for strictest confidence though also!
Loose lips, sink ships!
And yes they did agree it was best to be raised as it could affect my position if it continued, hence why I told my partner that's was the straw that broke the camels back as I LOVE my job.HellsGranny wrote: »Oh dear,
I do feel sorry for you over this, just another reason for hating these online networking sites, they can be so damaging to people's reputations. It's so easy for one person to slag off another online without really taking heed of the damage it can do.
Your boss seems rather sensitive (unsurprising if it can impinge on his company), and I think you need to give it time to cool off before making any further moves.
I can't help with any more advice than that, but reading between lines I can see that it is an organisation where client confidentiality is very important, so perhaps you are being seen as a potential confidentiality risk.
I hope you can get it sorted.
Cheers, HG
Yes, those sites are vile. The scourge of so many disaster causing dramas.
With regards to a cooling off period - I don't want it to be a period where either someone gets my salaried position that was due to start on Feb 1st OR they just think I'll disappear like an out of sight, out of mind thing!
With regards to a confidentiality risk - I've been a civil servant 4x and done alot of good jobs. My professionalism on that note is unhinged. Obviously I've made a boo-boo thinking if it was about myself it was an exemption!
Fingers crossed and thank you for all your kind advice..... :A0 -
Sorry to read of your situation. Texting the chairman is NEVER appropriate, certainly not when you have been let go, and not when you have been let go for being overfamiliar with the staff.Declutterbug-in-progress.⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️0
-
liverpoolste wrote: »Just an outlet - been going along with one of my clients! :beer: But we're that close to them now we treat some as friends.
As an employment adviser your clients are not your friends. If you find similar work, remember this.
BTW, had you started on an NVQ in Advice and Guidance?0 -
anamenottaken wrote: »As an employment adviser your clients are not your friends. If you find similar work, remember this.
BTW, had you started on an NVQ in Advice and Guidance?
The Advice & Guidance NVQ was starting this week coming - Wednesday I think. I was to be the Activities Co-ordinator too which meant organising/facilitating the team/confidence building activities like abseiling, paint-balling, canoeing, fishing, football, army courses etc
Really was/hopefully is one of those best jobs in your life thing - making myself gutted again now so best shut up!!!!
Clients being friends I understand as a huge no-no in most organisations but this one is unique in the fact that we have an intricate understanding of every client and their needs. Sometimes and because we all live in the same local areas we mix. There's quite a few people who are actually friends beforehand and we have let them access the services on offer.
With regards to texting the Chairman - he expects anyone to approach him if there is a problem. The reason the other lad got back into work, on his more serious issue is because he knows the Chairmans Dad very well and because he's giving him the benefit of the doubt as he's new to our place and has been over-eager....
Next few days will really be a HUGE turning point in my life for sure. This is the rest of my working life hanging in the balance as it's a secure job for life which would take anyone to unexpected heights as the company mushrooms.
Could not stand (but have no choice to tolerate) a lifestyle of going back and forth through jobs looking for satisfaction, security and healthy salary.:eek:0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 352K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.2K Spending & Discounts
- 245K Work, Benefits & Business
- 600.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.4K Life & Family
- 258.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards