Can my employer force me to be a Fire Marshall / warden?

GingerTim

Bradden said:

Just to add some balance... I'm currently a 1st Aider and Fire Warden... no extra payments received. It's considered a reasonable duty by my employer. 

Same at my place of employment (large university). In due course all of my colleagues will be made fire marshalls, too - so many WFH meant that recently I had to evacuate a large building by myself, which is just not safe.

DigSunPap

I don't think you can be 'forced' to do anything if you do not wish to. Unless it is written somewhere in your contract that it is your duty to be fire warden then you are well within your right to refuse. You don't have to fall out with anyone, just politely request in writing that you do not wish to carry on doing it anymore.

GingerTim

'Any reasonable duty/request' covers a multitude of sins, however.

Andy_L

GingerTim said:

'Any reasonable duty/request' covers a multitude of sins, however.

As does the requirement under the H&S at work act for employees to co-operate with the employee "so far as is necessary  to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with" on H&S stuff

Nesty

Thanks for all the replies all, I spoke with the Union and yes I can just resign from being a fire warden, however it won't get me to leave any sooner, though I shall probably use this as a part of my grievance to negotiate a better pay deal, as doing more duties in other areas than I should be, if that fails then, I'll withdraw my FW duties.  

DigSunPap

Nesty said:

Thanks for all the replies all, I spoke with the Union and yes I can just resign from being a fire warden, however it won't get me to leave any sooner, though I shall probably use this as a part of my grievance to negotiate a better pay deal, as doing more duties in other areas than I should be, if that fails then, I'll withdraw my FW duties.  

Thats great news to hear. You should never have to be forced to do something that you do not want to do. Congrats