Weekly Flylady Thread 14th January 2013

julytex

Good luck vibes being sent over to you skinty hope all goes well, not done much flying this weekend but have kept up with the dailies and spent the rest of the time trying to get degree stuff up to date

froddington

skinty - sending all the positive thought and vibes I can muster for you and babe for tomorrow. The Power of the Flyladies will be with you xx

pigpen - nice to hear from you

School is closed to pupils tomorrow but we are expected in at 9:00. Hopefully, we will finish a bit earlier to avoid driving home in rushhour.

Need to see what I ought to take tomorrow as I'm not sure what we'll be doing ........

Back later for the new thread x

bonnie_bumpkins

Good afternoon.

Mr FLU has retreated a teeny weeny bit but is still very much in control

GWS vibes to all poorlies and gentle hugs to all who need/want them.

Lovely to hear of the little moos enjoying the snow

Dancemum I filled up when I heard your poor DS has been crying again, it must break your heart. Truck-loads of coping vibes to you both xx

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Bit of a rant and request for advice please, if I may. Please don't read if you are eating or soon to eat :cool:

I've come to the realisation that it is working in the shop that is making me ill. I don't think I've had a week clear from migraine, cold, cough, flu, vomiting, diahoerrea (sp?) to some degree since October :eek: This is because (a) raw sewage seeps into the shop monthly and I am involved in mopping up the sh*tty water (unpaid) Nothing is done to get to the root cause of the problem. (b) The manager comes into work regardless of her illnesses (same as mine above) and spreads the germs around for us to pick up. (c) There is no ventilation, unless you open the back door for a bit and inhale the pigeon poo and rat poo. (d) There is little or no cleaning carried out; my request for an effective and ongoing cleaning/hygiene routine to be established has been ignored (I don't think the sanitary bin has been emptied since I started working there in May). (e) There is nowhere to prepare or eat food that is not filthy and the kitchen area doubles as the sorting area where people are coughing as they work.

Now... I get paid minimum wage for 7 hours per week. I work at least 8.5 as there is never cover at lunch time and cashing up etc has to be done when the shop is shut. I have been 'promised' more hours and have not pursued other job opportunities as vigorously as I could have as I wait for this to happen. I get constant texts, phone calls and emails from my boss on my days off asking for help, telling me what I've done wrong, how ill she is, how I've let her down, how she can't have any time off for holiday or for sickness unless I work unpaid.

I've taken up these issues with my immediate boss and her boss, to no avail. I have come to the sad realisation that nothing will change. I may lose some benefit for a while but I can't go on like this, I think I will have to resign. And I need to do so very soon while I'm still only on one-week's notice. Should I do it??

End of rant

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That feels better!! :o

froddington

Hi bonnie,

I didn't want to just read and run so ........

Firstly a huge hug x

Secondly, those working conditions are unacceptable, breach numerous health and safety regulations and need to be reported. What sort of shop is it? Is it an independent or part of a chain?

I am not surprised you want to resign - I would have left a long time ago! You have given it a good go and your health is much more important.

I don't know the ins and outs of employment laws, etc. but am sure someone will be along soon with more info.

Honey_Bear

Bonnie: Join a trade union asap. There is one especially for shop workers (that I used to work for in a previous life). Talk to the Area Organiser that covers your area and if s/he isn't able to help you, join one of the others that is.

Secondly, report this shop immediately, anonymously if possible, to the local Environmental Health office at your Council. What you are saying indicates that any customer who buys anything from the shop is quite likely to have the same health problems as you. It is possible that people who are on chemo, or have a compromised immune system may be coming in and picking up the same bugs as you are suffering from.

I cannot believe in this day and age any employer can be so stupid as to carry on like that.

hex2

bonnie, my advice would be look while you work if you can but be pro-active in looking. Yes employment law is on your side but would things changing make your job any better? You don't have any rights for constructive dismissal (started after April, less than two years service) but you could try for not paying minimum wage (the forced extra unpaid hours making your actual contracted hours less than minimum wage). Not very helpful I know, if it was me and I had the choice I would cut my losses and run.

ETA H&S, environmental health etc may just means the shop gets shut down. Is there enough profit to make the changes? Shutting doesn't mean you get paid anything other than notice sadly, may mean you can sign on though.

If it is part of a chain I would be whistle blowing high up. People writing to the MD used to be utterly frustrating for me, I regularly got dragged in by big bosses and forced to clean things up for queue jumpers who moaned .

Valli

froddington wrote: »

Hi bonnie,

I didn't want to just read and run so ........

Firstly a huge hug x

Secondly, those working conditions are unacceptable, breach numerous health and safety regulations and need to be reported. What sort of shop is it? Is it an independent or part of a chain?

I am not surprised you want to resign - I would have left a long time ago! You have given it a good go and your health is much more important.

I don't know the ins and outs of employment laws, etc. but am sure someone will be along soon with more info.

Ditto this.

TBH I think you've been 'lucky' to get off so lightly, infection-wise
I would be (pardon the pun) kicking up a huge stink about this. I would be contacting the council (Environmental Health) the water company and the councillor and my MP. And the local press. If you are in a Union contact them, too. For 7.5 hours a week is it REALLY worth the risk?

hex2

dancemum - just wanted to say huge hugs for you about your ds2. Similar issues here and it isn't easy.

pigpen

Bonnie.. report them to environmental health before they kill someone! Both pigeon and rat poo/urine can cause fatal illnesses, flu can kill etc.. I'm surprised you've not had dysentry! You can contact them online anonymously.. do it!

Mumof2_2

Bonnie, I agree with what the others have said; the working conditions sound abysmal and I'm amazed you've been able to stay as long as you have. Sorry the flu is still hanging around.

Skinty good luck for tomorrow.

Think dinner's ready (well done DH) - will be back later for the new list