Can an employer do this?

Savvy_Sue

Of course the OP could offer to take over running the Tea Club, buying supplies etc. It's possible that the person running it isn't being told what's needed before it runs out, and can't always just drop everything to nip out and replenish the sugar.

I make sure I tell our Purchaser of Tea Bags when I open the last packet of Redbush tea! :rotfl: I would go on strike if we ran out ...

getmore4less

If the money is taken up front you buy enough of the non perishables to last about 1/2 the time say 4 weeks of the 7 do an audit at 2 and 3 weeks then top iup to last to the end of term.

liney

I can't believe people are suggesting buying Value Tea Bags and the like. I got moaned at for buying normal Nescafe instead of Goldblend one month! If you want something specific, like Decaf for example, then tell them.

The do not bring your own products line is probably because if you refuse to pay, then are seen making tea there will be constant friction, even if it's not voiced straight away, and eventually "I bring my own, but i've run out of milk so i'm 'borrowing' yours" within no time. Plus you will end up with a row of milk in the fridge with (school stationary) labels on them saying silly things like "Hands off Sue's Milk" and no room for anyone to store their lunch. Next you'll need another fridge...

pineapple

I think this outrageous. What happens if you don't like the brand of tea/coffee? What happens if one person like 6 sugars and drinks it by the gallon and another has a cup of black coffee once a day? What happens if you don't drink milk?
Are these supplies going to be used for visitors and meetings as well?
I also think £2 per week per person is a lot - maybe that's just me. But it's as much about the principle imo.
Where I worked last, the employer provided basic refreshments free. If you had a fondness for 'speciality' items, ie green tea, you brought it in and either kept it in your desk or put it on the shelf along with the other stuff. We were grown ups. No one fell out with anyone. No big deal.
Though I agree about mugs. Mugs are serious stuff. WW3 could easily break out if you flagrantly use someone elses mug!
As for the flower fund, words fail me. Plus it takes all the individuality out of it, surely.
It would be one thing if colleagues discussed and agreed this between themselves but this top down diktat is unbelievable.
I'd be very surprised if they could ban people from bringing in their own stuff but I don't know. Me I would just refuse on principle. What about a flask? They surely can't refuse that. It's all beyond silly.

Arewethereyet

Considering the budget cuts schools have had, I can understand the school stopping the freebies and asking you to pay for tea and coffee . One of the budgets at my son's school has been cut from £35K to £7K! (I've even started buying toys from car boots sales and donating them to the year R class to help the school out.)

I don't agree with the stroppy way the memo was worded but the school has to make cuts somewhere.

Jarndyce

Is it possible to block a thread on this site? I keep clicking on this one thinking its a serious workplace issue, and it turns out to be this - for f**cks sake grow up and sort this out like the adults you are supposed to be - some people are being sacked, bullied and made redundant out there and you're concerned about a few pence for tea bags? Words fail me.

magenta22

Jarndyce wrote: »

Is it possible to block a thread on this site? I keep clicking on this one thinking its a serious workplace issue, and it turns out to be this - for f**cks sake grow up and sort this out like the adults you are supposed to be - some people are being sacked, bullied and made redundant out there and you're concerned about a few pence for tea bags? Words fail me.

It may not be a matter of severity but the OP would like to know people's opinions. You don't have to post on it.

Jarndyce

magenta22 wrote: »

It may not be a matter of severity but the OP would like to know people's opinions. You don't have to post on it.

The OP did not ask peoples' opinions, she asked if the employer could do what they were doing. The answer is no.

We then get 60 posts telling us what happens in everyone else's tea clubs - fascinating.

magenta22

Jarndyce wrote: »

The OP did not ask peoples' opinions, she asked if the employer could do what they were doing. The answer is no.

We then get 60 posts telling us what happens in everyone else's tea clubs - fascinating.

That is asking for opinions is it not???????

Not going to argue with you anymore. As I said you don't have to post and you can use the back button if you find yourself on this thread.

DVardysShadow

Jarndyce wrote: »

The OP did not ask peoples' opinions, she asked if the employer could do what they were doing. The answer is no.

We then get 60 posts telling us what happens in everyone else's tea clubs - fascinating.

And you haven't told us about yours yet. Go on, go on, go on