What would other people do?

georgie262

My Stepmother works as a care assistant in a care home. The owner of the care home (whilst pulling up in his brand new Mercedes) has spoken to all the workers a couple of months ago to tell them that he cannot afford to give them the new NMW increase and would have to let a lot of them go if they insisted. As a collective they agreed that in order for them all to keep their jobs that they will give up the increase.
This whole situation makes me so angry and I think it's so wrong. I really want to report this guy but don't want to go behind their backs especially if it could affect their jobs. What would other people do in this situation?

tea_lover

Call the CQC - if he's prepared to skimp and break the law here what else is he doing wrong? It's bad enough that he's treating his employees in this way bit there are also vulnerable residents to consider.

19lottie82

I agree, I'd be making an anonymous phone call to the relevant authorities. (ACAS?)

How long has your SM worked there?

Alikay

Hmm...I doubt that he would let them all go, as someone like him is only likely to staff the home to minimum required levels anyway. Blackmailing the staff into accepting less than the legislated hourly rate is totally unacceptable, but it's not really your battle to fight. I think I'd be contacting CAB and ACAS to get some information on their behalf, though, and encouraging your stemum to follow the advised steps to insist that their employment rights are met.

notanewuser

They can't "opt out" of it.

supermassive

I wonder how the tax man feels about this.

pmlindyloo

Read this and then get your step mother to contact the help line.

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage/worker-disputes-over-minimum-wage

The employer could be in serious trouble if he doesn't pay the NMW.

If he attempts to dismiss anyone this would be automatic unfair dismissal regardless of how long they have worked there.

WestonDave

There is no opt out of the NMW so what he is doing is illegal - its not down to whether the workers insist on having the increase, he either pays it or risks getting caught and fined. In any event he is incredibly stupid as blackmail works two ways. Anyone who has more than 2 years service can now quite happily slack off because if he threatens to dismiss them, they can grass him up for not paying the NMW.

Person_one

He's breaking the law if he's paying less than NMW. I'd report it everywhere, sounds like this home could do with a bit of scrutiny for the sake of the staff and the very vulnerable residents.

fivetide

Yep report them.


As a group go to the office and say you will be calling CQC and reporting him anyway unless you get the legal rise.


Would be very nasty for the owners if that happened.


Hope it works out.

FBaby

Why does he think it is called MINIMUM wage for?