My Hostile Workplace

[Skism]

I have learned why freedom of speech should not be free….

I’m on iPad so if this glitches so be it apolergies an iPad is a pain to use on this site I think I have double posted

So here’s a disorganised breakdown:

Friday 7 Feb colleague decides to tell me over headset that he is going to break into my house
( I assume he is joking….) when I deflect and tell him there’s an issue with that (block of flats) he says he will break into them all to find me

I can’t remember whether he did this before or after that but he came up to the till area and deliberately threw things on the floor. ( that where on the till area)

Later we had a political discussion and I said I was a bit worried Trump was going to far and he suggested

Spoiler

Show

Spoiler

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Trump should invade the whole Middle East!

Previous incident highlights

12 December team leader colleague

Interrogation as to which church I go to (“ which ****** one/ I bet it’s not even a real church)

Saying all kinds of horrible things to each other over headset about me such as he will leave here crying, later he said I would curse him at my church

December 17

Talked to the above and asked him not to do that ever again - was given an apology non apology and told if I can’t take the banter I should go to Stanford hill (different store) and that if I kept quiet a 1to 1 transfer may be arranged. ( I seriously doubt that offer anyway)

Later was compared to someone else’s autistic son who she said she could not say anything to him - “a bit like you hey”

In the new year first day back got snapped at by same as above that I had done nothing but complain and that they had a good team
( basically victimisation)


Later was compared to someone else’s autistic son who she said she could not say anything to him - “a bit like you hey”

In the new year first day back got snapped at by same as above that I had done nothing but complain and that they had a good team
( basically victimisation)

On a different day we somehow got into a discussion about politics and I was concerned that Trump was going to invade the uk, response was “ let him come he can sort out all the immigrants”

There are also plenty of times when other legal stuff was not observed - like cold window for stock not being observed ( left overnight)

I have to ask the question is this place a silo for the company’s racist / discriminatory people

I feel like resigning without notice

Regards Acas does anyone know if I should have an employment solicitor? Before contacting them?

[CBJ]

There's lots of advice on the ACAS website. I'm pretty sure you don't need a solicitor before you access their advisory services, and I would expect that they would let you know the point at which it was appropriate to obtain one. Take their advice, not that of anyone on here!

[Alan Phipps]

You said that this was a colleague and so probably work for the same store chain employer. Most significant store chain human resource departments provide confidential helplines or whistle-blower procedures for just this sort of personal and confidential issue. In fact you are probably not the only one having issues with this person and their line management (and yours if you have involved them) are likely equally at fault for negligence and mismanagement. The store chain senior management should be keen to stamp out such behaviours and negligence as it affects profitability, and for staff their retention, sales-efficiency and days-off-sick.

[CBJ]

"Should" being the operative word, but senior management and HR departments do not always do what they should do and it sounds like the OP has already exhausted that approach.

[Rapier]

Firstly, you should not be treated like this - don't let anyone (yourself included) convince you such behavior is acceptable.

You don't need a solicitor before approaching ACAS, but that is not to say you shouldn't speak to one at some stage. If you're part of a trade union, speak with them for advice - even if you're not, their website may contain helpful advice: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/.

I would definitely suggest talking to a solicitor before quitting your job. You'll want their advice about when you have a case for constructive dismissal (i.e. the employer failing to act on reported bullying/harassment). If you quit without giving the employer a chance to put things right, then you probably won't have a case.

I'd also suggest reporting the threat to burgle your you to the Police. Such threats should be put on record, even if the threat itself is not a crime; it's important evidence should any future crime be committed (and that includes any later threats, as that then becomes harassment). If multiple people hear the same headset messages (I don't know what kind of system it is) and you're on good terms with someone who heard - get them to make a record of things (or even join you in making the report to the Police). Basically, gather and keep evidence - you may need it later.

I hope it works out for you.

[Chips]

Absolutely HR is usually the first point of call (but do read up / seek advice before hand so it's worded appropriately and clearly) - as it gets it on a record. Similar if there is a union as they can advise. Meanwhile, document as best as you can after any shift this happens on what was said. It highlights a pattern of behaviour with structure (dates, nature of the exchange) to back up what you said when you're making a complaint.

As for constructive dismissal, it again all starts with attempts to resolve via the employer first and foremost. Tribunals do exist, but it requires proof that attempts have been made.

Good luck, no-one should have to put up with a hostile work environment.

[Skism]

Thank you all
Particularly Rapier and CBJ
Heres the draft of what Im sending to area manager ( I already have a grievance but I don't know the outcome yet)

I have to report something more that you are not going to like but frankly needs to be reported.

Whilst I was on shift on 7th February (person 4) threatened to break into my house to find me and when i tried to deflect said he would break into all of my neighbors houses harm them and then Harm me

This is so far beyond the pale of decency.

The conversation went something like this: Friday 7th February

Firstly Had shoplifter who was abusive to all of us

Supervisor 1 refused to come out initially when Security asked me to radio him.

Later(about 6Pm ish) (person 4) started giving me a sneer and two fingers towards me (two double upyours) when the shop was quieter I was like..whats that for?

He and Supervisor 1 started arguing with Person 4 being really rude to Supervisor 1

He then later started saying he as going to break into my house and when I deflected by saying theres an issue with that

Me: Theres an issue with that you know

Person 4: you live in a block of flats?

( I am troubled that he knows that btw)

Supevisor 1 interjected into this conversation by saying “you live in social housing don’t you Matthew “

I paused at this point I was not happy with the way this was going

Me: “you would find out what a bunch of psychos I have for neighbors”

Person 4 “I don’t care I would beat them all up” Then you”

Me…...You would beat up all my neighbors? Really?
Person 4 ….”or Id ask them which one is you” And they would tell me cos Id make them!

Person 4 "Im not scared of them"

Me....Right

Me ….(mutters) ”I am not happy with this”

Person 4 – “Ive said far worse you should see what I said to Craig”

we had a slightly more normal conversation when I walked away from the till over headset

Then he physically came into the till area (I was there at the time came right up to me picked up objects near me and threw them on the floor)

Activated Watch me now a minute or so after this: you should be able to verify this as you are an Operations Manager

Unfortunately Supervisor 1 still had the phone so when I heard ringing I as not able to answer - otherwise I would have told the ops room what as going on

There where a few other minor things after that that I am not happy with but they will have to wait.

I don't consider threats to be 'banter' - they cannot be banter quite frankly Its caused me considerable distress

I am seriously considering reporting this on 101 I have not yet.

I am taking some breathing space away from the grange the places normal is utterly borked and toxic - I have a sick note which covers my next shift on Saturday 15th and depending on how I feel that may get extended

You can contact me from the 14th Onward I await your decision on the existing Grievance

What do you think I should edit?

[Alan Phipps]

If you consider it all fact about what happened and your feelings about it, then there should be nothing to edit. The facts as you see them will no doubt be disputed if there is an investigation, so make sure your recorded recollections are clear and consistent. I would add approximate timings to main entries on the days in question for clarity of evidence.

Also be slightly wary about known inclusion of third parties in compiling your evidence as it strengthens any case alleged of your evidence being fabricated or spun.