Change of job within company

CharlieR86

I have been with my company 6 years now. When i tried to go back from maternity about 18 months ago they said i wasnt allowed back in my role that i had to do something different. i asked if i could initially go back part time. As it is customer services they would not allow this. i had a meeting with them and they said i can go back in my old role but it will have to be full time. Which i took.

18 months down the line, they have just approached me to offer me a part time role within customer sevices. Great i thought as my circumstances have changed as i am now a single mum to a 2 yr old. It is slightly different from my existing role but it is still admin. However they said as there have been complaints from my customers i would be on a 6 month probabtion period. They have not sat me down and told me about any complaints. They said they are not taking it any further but will put me on a 6 month probabtion instead for my new role. Can they do that? I have not seen any proof of any complaints being made. Another colleague had her customers complain about her but her customer just go taken off her and given to another colleague to look after. Another colleague who has been there for 6 months has got my full time role but they said to her they will only give her a 3 month probabtion. I havent yet started this part time role as i do feel uncomfortable.

As i had to fight to get my job back after maternity and now they seem to be putting me through the mill again i just feel like they are trying to get rid of me.

What do you all think? It is really stressing me out.

Newwashingmachine

Firstly - do you definately want to work part time?

If so I'd state that you are willing to do it - however you do not wish your contract to be re-newed apart from the working hours part of it.

It sounds to me like they want to treat you as a brand new employee losing all your rights of protection from being sacked and I personally think that's unusual in the same company.

Also some companies increase your holiday entitlement after so many years of service - so if you were going back to a 'new start' would this also change.

If you do take the new hours make sure your contract doesn't change or that you are put back on probation - though it amazes me if you've been there so long that you'd have to do a probation period anyway - it don't make sense!

CharlieR86

Thanks

I did tell them I want part time so they are aware.

They said the probation would not effect my sick pay etc or holiday so it doesn't make sense

coinxoperated

Without trying to worry you....

You have just had a baby. They want you to go on a probationary period now? I think it's pretty clear what they are or will try to do.

Be very very careful!

coinxoperated

Oh! Just read your reply!!

So you won't lose any benefits from your role with them OTHER than your job security? Mental. Politely decline and say you need job security as a permenant employee.

jobbingmusician

Tell them that having taken informal legal advice you have been advised that your part time role should be one which has continuity of employment with your old role. Say that it is unclear to you whether they are proposing this, but if they are NOT looking to maintain continuity of employment you would be grateful to receive details of why they feel your part time role is not continuous with your old role.

The basis for this is that they cannot dismiss anyone with continuity of employment (which they must know you will have) without going through a proper disciplinary procedure. Simply saying you are 'on probation' in your new role does not give them the right to dismiss you at will. However, I stress that I am no legal expert - they MAY have the right to put you on probation in your new role with the proviso you will be returned to your old role if things don't work out - would be grateful if someone with more experience/expertise than I could comment.

Newwashingmachine

Oh and it's unfair if they say customers have complained but don't tell you about it. It may or may not be true. They sound a bit sneaky to me.

CharlieR86

Thanks for all your comments. It's just makes me feel so stressed that I can't face going in now. I feel like they don't want me there. I feel that if I stay they will discipline me or if I go part time they will get rid of me. I feel like no matter what I do they will try it on either way.

Newwashingmachine

CharlieR86 wrote: »

Thanks for all your comments. It's just makes me feel so stressed that I can't face going in now. I feel like they don't want me there. I feel that if I stay they will discipline me or if I go part time they will get rid of me. I feel like no matter what I do they will try it on either way.

I can understand you being anxious but by putting off speaking about it and stating that you aren't prepared to be on 'probabtion' as you feel you've already proved yourself in the job (after 6 years) you will feel better getting it out into the open.

Ask them (politely and very concerned) what the customers have complained about and if you can have feedback on how better you could have handled these 'complaints'.

Seriously I know it's scary but try to be calm and just come out and ask.

CharlieR86

Well I've spoken to work and have asked them for copies of these so called complaints. To which I haven't seen as yet. I was told they can either take them further by disciplining me or putting me on a 6 month probation. I feel blackmailed and now have to take up the role with the probationary period to avoid disciplinary. Although I explained to them that all I know they could be making these complaints up as I haven't had anyone explain them to me. I explained how I feel treated differently to others as the colleague taking up my existing role was given a 3 month probation. I was told by a colleague that that has now been changed to 6 months.

I'm off with stress now. Can't sleep at night and loss of appetite

pinkshoes

To put it bluntly, they are clearly trying to get rid of you.

I would refuse the part time role, and tell them you would like evidence of these so called complaints again. They are trying to use the 6 month probation to get rid of you in 6 months. Take the chance on the disciplinary!

Put everything in writing.

Stop being stressed, and stand up for yourself.

Have they put it in writing making you choose between probationary period and disciplinary?