Expensive payout after trashing someones car at work. Advice?

Takeaway_Addict

If you are a union member then speak to them and they should guide you through this.

Mr_Mystery

If they look to hit me with a big bill then i will do, but this is Saturday & i can't get in touch until Monday at the very earliest.

No sarcasm there, i'm just saying.

ohreally

Mr_Mystery wrote: »

I was going to ask SarEL

Run along then.

Takeaway_Addict

Mr_Mystery wrote: »

If they look to hit me with a big bill then i will do, but this is Saturday & i can't get in touch until Monday at the very earliest.

No sarcasm there, i'm just saying.

No I appreciate you are trying to gather as much info as possible which is understandable but try not to work yourself up over this all the rest of the wkd

Takeaway_Addict

ohreally wrote: »

Run along then.

A bit harsh

lama_pdx

It sounds like a cruddy work environment your boss has created there, to be honest. People are just bullied into having their pay docked? No way.

Bottom line: if they're running a business involving people driving vehicles, there are going to be accidents and the business is obligated to have insurance. If they can't afford that, then they are failing as managers.

What you can do now: Get the contact information for your union rep, and telephone ACAS, and research whether there is a good employment law solicitor in your area. See if you can't leave messages for them now, and then resolve to contact them first thing on Monday.

In the meantime, if your boss tells you that he's going to make you pay or he'll fire you or whatever, just say in an upbeat way, "Of course I'll need all of that in writing. Thanks!" If he hands you something to sign, say cheerfully, "Thanks for this, I'll take it away and have a good read." If he hands you an invoice or a payslip showing docked pay, just say, "Thanks for this!" and take it away, keeping copies safe at home.

Don't sign anything or take any action until you've taken advice. I mean specific, particular advice from an expert, not from a forum.

He doesn't have a leg to stand on and he knows it. That's why he's being such a bully.

Regarding the other people at work, just brush them off. If they persist in ribbing you, just give them the name of a good counsellor and tell them you're concerned about their inability to move on.

dacouch

gibson123 wrote: »

Your employers public liability insurance should cover this.

Vehicle Insurance

Mr_Mystery

lama_pdx wrote: »

It sounds like a cruddy work environment your boss has created there, to be honest. People are just bullied into having their pay docked? No way.

Bottom line: if they're running a business involving people driving vehicles, there are going to be accidents and the business is obligated to have insurance. If they can't afford that, then they are failing as managers.

What you can do now: Get the contact information for your union rep, and telephone ACAS, and research whether there is a good employment law solicitor in your area. See if you can't leave messages for them now, and then resolve to contact them first thing on Monday.

In the meantime, if your boss tells you that he's going to make you pay or he'll fire you or whatever, just say in an upbeat way, "Of course I'll need all of that in writing. Thanks!" If he hands you something to sign, say cheerfully, "Thanks for this, I'll take it away and have a good read." If he hands you an invoice or a payslip showing docked pay, just say, "Thanks for this!" and take it away, keeping copies safe at home.

Don't sign anything or take any action until you've taken advice. I mean specific, particular advice from an expert, not from a forum.

He doesn't have a leg to stand on and he knows it. That's why he's being such a bully.

Regarding the other people at work, just brush them off. If they persist in ribbing you, just give them the name of a good counsellor and tell them you're concerned about their inability to move on.

This is one thing i'm bothered about - being called in on Monday to start signing papers & agreeing to things.

I know what i'm like, i know what they're like
They know what i'm like & they know what they're like

To explain that - they play the strong arm role & i struggle to fight it & inevitable end up caving in. It's not generally in my nature to fight & confront as i prefer the easy life, though i know i need to do this.

ohreally wrote: »

Run along then.

Thank you for your extremely constructive & helpful response. Long may you continue to be a valuable member eager to help others.

agrinnall

Mr_Mystery wrote: »

This is one thing i'm bothered about - being called in on Monday to start signing papers & agreeing to things.

I know what i'm like, i know what they're like
They know what i'm like & they know what they're like

To explain that - they play the strong arm role & i struggle to fight it & inevitable end up caving in. It's not generally in my nature to fight & confront as i prefer the easy life, though i know i need to do this.

Sounds like it might be a good idea to speak to your union before agreeing to attend any meeting with the employer, and if possible take a rep with you to back you up on not signing anything away.

lama_pdx

So you don't confront. You confound them by acting pleasant and accommodating, but not actually complying.

When you're in a confrontational meeting, let the bully talk. Don't complain, don't explain. Don't nod or say, "you're right," just let him talk himself out. Bite your tongue and stay calm.

If he asks whether you agree say, "I hear what you're saying."

If he makes threats say, "You'll do what you're minded to do."

If he puts stuff in front of you to sign, thank him and tell him you'll take them away and have a good read. If he insists you sign it right then and there, you can say, "You don't sign things without reading them, do you? Don't worry, I'll get back to you with this. You know where to find me. See you later!" and leave.

The boss is not the only one with all the power here. They need good employees like you to keep the business going.