Started a job I'm not fit enough to do. How to proceed?

ohreally

Point out you were engaged as a cleaner and not into a position that is essentially a manual handling one which may be unsuitable to you as an individual (have they conducted a manual handling assessment?).

As for hours, the amount they are imposing on you is not congruent with what was discussed at interview (making an assumption here) and while you may be prepared to be flexible, this flexibility should reflect the position you were started for.

iammumtoone

some people on this thread have no idea how tough it is when you are in a job you cannot cope with. I took a job that I really shouldn't have done, I didn't want to be claiming benefits so took the job. I can't cope with it, it is too much it is now full time I am a single mum to a difficult child, I just can't do both, the job is stressful and I am ashamed to say my ds is suffering for it as I am taking my stress out on him

I am in a horrible situation, I can't leave as as will be sanctioned. I am trying to find part time work but that is hard as finding the time to concentrate to write a good application in between working looking after a child is difficult.

OP I know how hard it is but to work more than 40 hours you must have signed an agreement to work that much, if not then they have no right to ask you to work more than 40 hours. I hope it works out for you.

ohreally

iammumtoone wrote: »

you must have signed an agreement to work that much, if not then they have no right to ask you to work more than 40 hours.

Never heard this before, can you reference please?

iammumtoone

ohreally wrote: »

Never heard this before, can you reference please?

I was offered to sign something at my job - I didn't and HR were ok with that it was designed for the factory who work more than those hours. I crossed posted with others and think it must have been something to do with the opt out of the working time directive on which I have been corrected, apparently it is 48 hours and week not 40 (I am sure the paperwork I was asked to sign stated 40 sorry):o

patman99

Totalfailure, you should have been given a sheet outlining the 'Working Hours Directive' to read through and sign (if you wished to opt out that is). If you were not given this, then they cannot make you work more than 48 hours in 1 week when averaged over 17 weeks.

However, there is nothing stopping an employer making you work 60 - 100 hours a week for the first month, then dropping you back to 20 hours a week, as over 17 weeks this would average less than the 48 hours governed by the WTD.

If you really want to do something about it, check your employment contract to see if it states the hours you are contracted to work in total each week.
When you get your payslip look to see if they have paid you overtime for working beyond your contracted hours and if they haven't, ask them why.

Bantex_2

OP
how old are you?
Do you have any disabilities?

totalfailiure

Bantex wrote: »

OP
how old are you?
Do you have any disabilities?

32
Only depression if that is counted as one. I don't really have any interests or plans any more.

Enterprise_1701C

OK totalfailure, you thought you couldn't get a job yet you got one. Therefore you are not a total failure.

You will gradually become more capable, but not if you give up on this job.

You have no interests? Find a hobby, even if it is just bird watching.

This job gives you a purpose, makes you get up. It may even help with your depression.

That said, 70 hours without a day off is too much, and I find it unlikely that they can force you to do this, but then they can dismiss you without cause so maybe you should show willing.

If you want to make a go of this job, then you have to put yourself out a bit.

As for the 40 mins walk before catching a train, can you get yourself a cheap second hand bike? That would then become a thoroughly enjoyable 15 minute bike ride? And maybe cycling would develop into an interest?

Good luck.

Al1x

I think you should stick at it, your depression will obviously make you look at all the bad things but try and focus on the positives - pay day, getting fitter from the work, meeting new people etc.

If you really aren't happy in your current job then why not look for another job rather than just quit?

I've always found it easier to get a new job whilst working. (I really struggled getting a job after having a few years not working after having children)

totalfailiure

I'm terrible at riding bikes. Last one I had, the chain got stuck in the spokes and I had to carry it home. It's also a weird feeling riding one, I feel stupid and like everyone's watching me. And can't take it on the train unless it's a fold-up one.

If an interview popped up for another job, I doubt they'd let me go to it without letting me go completely and I'm a bit lost now because I don't know which job I'm best suited to.