Being left with no personal choice!

sun_moon_stars

I recently started working with a major supermarket chain, But in one of their smaller stores.

I was contracted for 12 hours. Working over 3 days.

However, Within the first month, I was being called at all hours tell me i had to cover "over-time" shifts. I didn't want to refuse, As, I was worried it would like bad in my 3 month review. So like i fool, I went from 12 hours to 77! In a month!

This resulted in me being signed off sick, For a month. However, When i went back i was told that their budgets has been cut, And everyone has to drop at least 6 hours a week. There will be no more over-time, Unless its public holidays. Anyone who doesn't drop their hours, "MIGHT" face being made redundant.

So, I asked if this also applied to part-time staff, As, I'm already £277 worse off a month due to working. I also explained that if my hours was cut, It wouldn't be worth me working due to taking home £59 a month.

I'm also having hints dropped to me more often like:-

"Surly, It should be last in - first out, That free's up 12 hours at least" And that is just one comment from a manager, Who i know, Will make more.

I really don't know what to do, I mean, I love working even if it is just a few hours a week, However, I have to also keep a roof over my head & feed ourselves!

Its taken me over 3 years to find this little part time job, Now, After just 3 months, I'm getting closer & closer to being kicked out! Any advice?

Sambucus_Nigra

What's the question?

stephent82

Are you a member of a Union? If so, I would be in touch with them for advice. If you are not a member of a Union I would think about joining one, or perhaps think about looking for other employment. Big supermarket chains are very good at getting what they want - they purposefully hire lots of workers on short hours to aid them to do this.

McKneff

Do you mean you were signed off sick because you worked less thn 20 hours a week.
In what way were you not fit for work.

sun_moon_stars

No I’m not part of a union, Because I was led to believe that the employer would sign me up with the company one, After my 6 months of employment.

I was signed off, Because I contracted a “super-bug / virus” - I was also, Exhausted & dehydrated.

Also, Just to add, There wasn’t that much of a question mainly just looking for advice! I have no clue where I stand in regards of, being made redundant or trying to wait it out.

bevanuk

From what I have read on here, you don't really stand anywhere I'm afraid. Being of sick for a month isn't going to help matters after such a short length of service (I'm guessing this was month 2 of your employment?).
At 12 or 77 hours a month - exhaustion shouldn't be an issue surely?
I'd get some sleep, drink plenty of water and work hard when you are there. Over Christmas there IS going to be overtime and increased hours - every supermarket does this. Crack on and you should be safe.

McKneff

I would just try to wait it out and try not to worry, Christmas is coming anywy and I can only see it getting busier at the moment.

Just keep your head down and rise above any 'comments'

If you enjoy your job, just keep on enjoying it.

Sambucus_Nigra

I'd happily earn as much as I could during the busy season and stash as much away to eek out the quiet season.

When you say 77 hours a week, this really shouldn't exhaust you so much to warrant a month off sick. So sleep well, keep yourself hydrated, work hard, keep yourself fed and hope you don't get another super bug!

Cherry_Bomb

Do you mean you went from 12 to 77 hours a week or a month???

sun_moon_stars

Thanks for the replies.

Its not so much that the work made me ill, It just didn't help.
I'm also a unpaid carer for 2 family members - So i'm constantly supervising their care too!

I have been called into work tomorrow, To discuss which of my 6 hours i'm going to cut. I still don't know if i should allow myself to drop these hours or, If i should refuse and await the outcome!!??

McKneff

If they want you to drop 6 hours, you wont have any choice, well the choice you will have is do 6 hours or leave.

Im surprised they are asking you which 6 hours, they usually make the decision.

Go with an open mind and see what they say.