Work problems since boss went sick

LannieDuck

They're not going to get someone in to cover the work while you and your colleague are doing it unpaid.

Assuming that you still want to do the work and be paid, I would send one last e-mail requesting agreement in writing that you will be paid to 'act-up'. If you don't get a reply, I would go back to just doing my job.

It's not your job to worry about your bosses' work not being covered, that should be his bosses' concern. Frankly, your chief exec gets paid enough to worry about that sort of thing; you don't.

I would stop ducking your bosses' meeting request. It's only going to annoy him and add stress to your job. Either: i) meet with him and have a nice chat but refuse to critique him, or ii) e-mail him with an explanation and include HR's e-mail below yours. They might not want to deal with him directly, but they've already given you the advice that you don't need to attend (and they agree it would be inappropriate for you to do so), so just use that.

sammyjammy

You need to join the union, you've tried the nice and friendly approach and it hasn't worked. Your boss will now have moved onto half pay. I assume you are both HEOs? How can you be covering the work of a Director over a period of six mnoths without any SCS support. Who represents him at high level meetings/makes decisions?

As far as meeting with him is concerned, it does sound sensible to just meet with him if its hard for you to decline ot his face,but don't partake in any work discussion, treat it as a personal discussion about their well being.

Really sounds like nobody is managing his absence at all. In DWP we have a policy for raising concerns. Do you? If so read it and follow it, raising a grievance should be a last resort but you should consider it, wil support from a union rep.

I'm trying to speak to HR at the moment about a member of my staff and their lack of support to keep her in work, I really wonder what their purpose is sometimes, they are too busy writing silly policies to deal with people.

ILW

I would send an anonymous letter to a local or national paper, pointing out the amount of taxpayers money that is being wasted paying a very large salary to someone for doing nothing.

Daedalus

ILW wrote: »

I would send an anonymous letter to a local or national paper, pointing out the amount of taxpayers money that is being wasted paying a very large salary to someone for doing nothing.

I don't think he has said the person on sick is receiving full pay, might be on SSP or reduced rate.

Metranil_Vavin

What a horrible situation OP. Your HR/Chief exec are clealy taking the p1ss, and I agree that you need to make a firm stand, or else nothing will change.

Arrange a proper meeting with all concerned, and firmly state that you are happy to help out whilst your boss is off sick, but you expect x, y and z in return and want it all in writing, on the record.

If they refuse, I'd do what another poster suggested and just go back to doing the job you are contracted to do, no extra hours or workload.

They'll soon have to do something about it as things don't get done.

You have to put the ball firmly in their court. It's not your responsibility to ensure your boss's work is being covered whilst he is off sick, but whilst you are playing ball, why should they change anything?

Good luck.

ohreally

annah1212 wrote: »

I forgot to say I had a stress risk assessment at the suggestion of HR last week. It flagged that my stress levels are of "serious concern" - but then I was told the only action will be to meet again in three weeks and see if I feel better?!

The HSE can and do issue improvement notices to NHS organisations for stress concerns...http://www.hse.gov.uk/noticeshistory/notices/notice_list.asp?rdoNType=&NT=&SN=F&EO=LIKE&SF=NSUM&SV=stressors&ST=N

Be very carful with work to rule, as management may interpret this as you taking industrial action, if you wish to do this speak to one of the union stewards first (off the record - i realise you're not a member). If you still wish this option then do so quietly and discreetly.

gibson123

:eek: So you are contracted to work 37 hours, are working 60 and are not getting any extra pay.... Just stop doing it, simples. Tell to Hr (e-mail) that you feel you have already done enough and are terribly sorry but for personal and health reasons cannot sustain this any longer, therefore from Monday, you will be doing a 37 hour week.

Yorkie1

I'd be minded to write a letter to HR and the Chief Exec or relevant Director, stating the following facts:
- date your boss went off sick

- date(s) you have been promised extra support
- fact that no extra support has materialised
- fact that you have been working x hours per week overtime

- date(s) you were promised acting-up pay
- fact that no such pay has been provided

- date you saw Occ Health
- their view that work-related stress is a serious concern in respect of your health
- request them formally to implement strategies immediately to remove that work-related stress in order to address their duty of care to your health
- your view that continuing to work such long hours will have a further detrimental effect on your health and that you feel unable to do so.

If they are on notice about your health, and refuse to do anything about it, they could be in serious trouble if you then do go off sick.

And I'd join the union now.

annah1212

Thank you so much everyone for all your really helpful and supportive answers. So sorry not to have answered sooner - Wifi problems!

For those who asked - yes boss is on full pay - he would go to half pay in December when off sick for six months (that rule is same for everyone regardless of salary or length of service. He would go down to SSP after another six months.

Me and colleague have both now asked to join union and have immediate help. Hoping that will give the powers that be a kick to sort something out. Will keep you updated. And thank you all again. Sometimes it's just nice to hear others saying that actually, looking at it objectively, this ISN'T fair, after being made to feel like I'm making a fuss about nothing at work!!

Acc72

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

Just start doing your own job, your usual hours

This ^ I really don't see what the problem is.

Just do what you are supposed to be doing, when you are supposed to do it and let the senior managers worry about the rest.

Also, stop e-mailing the Chief Exec - this will do you no favours and just highlight you as a trouble maker.