Is this fair, Or is my OH being take for a ride?

Confused_one

Hi,

I’m just hoping for some info where we stand.


My OH works for a family member of his, He has done so for over 8 years.

Slowly everything seems to be changing a lot, Leaving my OH continuously out of pocket.

The excuse we keep getting is, it’s a small business with just me (Employer) & you (My OH) what more do you want.?


My OH is on various hours. Nothing contracted.

He is being paid £5.65 PH , He’s about to turn 24.

He is very experienced in his role, Although he has no qualifications within the role.

OH does not get paid for the first hour of travel to work, The same on return.

He is provided with NO safety wear, Although he needs it for nearly every job.

He gets no breaks & if he ask to have a break for lunch, He gets 10 minutes but 1 hour wage deducted.

OH is asked to work away, Sometimes for a week at a time, Often working nights, But is still paid the same £5.65. (Normal shift for working away is 13 hours a day)

He has 4 weeks paid holiday, But is forced to take 3 days off at Christmas, The rest he HAS to take off when his employer jets off on family holidays aboard every 3 months. If he has no holidays left, He HAS no choice but to take these time off unpaid.


OH has asked to be put on 2 course’s, Which would benefit his employer, 1 course was free, The other was £89. It was night classes, Other then 1 day! & his employer told him to **** off!


OH is told to wear selected work wear, Which we cant afford, So he is now the butt of every joke thanks to his employer egging others to take the Mick.


My OH loves his job & is terrified that if he, Or me say anything he will get the sack (Has been told that in the past).

He’s also worried, that should he leave we wouldn’t be entitled to any help with the job centre.


Can someone please tell me if this is the normal practise for small business, Or is my partner being taken for a ride? If he is what can we do about it.

His employer is the type of person who cant be spoken too!

ohreally

Rights need to be exercised and if your oh is "terrified of losing his job", then I'm afraid things may very well continue.

He either needs to stand up for himself or move on.

Hammyman

Nothing to add to the above really. Googlewhacker has pointed out everything that applies.

And no it is not normal for a small business. My wife works for one. She gets nearly £10/hr, 28 days paid holiday PLUS bank holidays and if she goes anywhere on business she uses the works van or if she uses her own car, such as when going to a site visit from home, she gets paid mileage. All tools and PPE are supplied.

I've worked for small family businesses and it has all been above board. Your OH is being taken for a ride. And it will continue because if he hasn't put his foot down by now he never will. The best thing he can do is to leave and take the guy to an employment tribuneral. He will win and should get a significant payout especially as he can argue that this has been increasing in severity so he feels he was forced out of his job.

getmore4less

A visit from HMRC min wage team might change things.

If you wish to make a complaint about an employer that is not paying the minimum wage, and you do not work for, or have not previously worked for, that employer, please complete

https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/shortforms/form/NMW_TPWorker?dept-name=NMW&sub-dept-name=Complaints&location=25&origin=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk


If they investigate they will probably insist on back pay

paddyrg

It sounds like your OH *feels* he's being taken for a ride if nothing else - how about looking for a better employer?

bevanuk

Yeah it's a case of finding a new job really. Sounds as if he says anything and they'll tell him to leave. If he has been working there 8 years and is still the only employee the company isn't doing very well anyway.

Confused_one

Thank you for the all the responses, I think you have all confirmed what we already knew!

I think the other thing that doesn’t help is that my partner has the worse case of dyslexia.

Even spelling his name can be difficult. However, Like I said in the above post, This has never affected his working life, Just his confidence.

As we speak I’m going to write him up a cv & when he comes home we shall go on the hunt for new employers.
　

Mistral001

Confused_one wrote: »

Hi,

My OH works for a family member of his, He has done so for over 8 years.

I thought about commenting on this until I say the above. This is a family matter and should be sorted within the family or left alone in my view.

Oldernotwiser

Mistral001 wrote: »

I thought about commenting on this until I say the above. This is a family matter and should be sorted within the family or left alone in my view.

Just because a small business employs a family member, doesn't put them above the law!

Mistral001

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Just because a small business employs a family member, doesn't put them above the law!

I agree. But being a family member does change things. Can the OP's OH take their brother to court for their illegal action? Yes they can, but I know I would not do it - not for the grievances mentioned by the OP anyway.

There is no use talking about the law unless you are willing to take action. It is irrelevant in this particlar situation as the OP will not take the brother to court or call in the authorities. It needs to be sorted out within the family.

cord123

Mistral001 wrote: »

I thought about commenting on this until I say the above. This is a family matter and should be sorted within the family or left alone in my view.

What a crazy view to have! If I were to employ a family member I would want to make sure that they were treated well BECAUSE they were w family member.

I would report him for the pay, get it backdated and then find a new job and leave!
Do other family members know what is going on? Perhaps someone could have a quiet word with him? He may not realise what an idiot he is!