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Bullying at Work and Employer breaking the Law

Muckworm

Hi Friends (I think!)

 

I haven't posted for a while and this is why - can anyone make suggestions as to how I cope with my situation at work?

I work full time and have held this job for 6 years now but I made a decision not to disclose to my employer that I had a diagnosis of Autism because I believe I lost my last 2 jobs because of that. And I want to work.

I like the content of my job very much, it suits me - it is methodical and predictable. But recently we have had some staff changes, mainly staff leaving and not being replaced due to financial pressures on the business. One of the staff who left was good to me and we had similar interests and I miss him.

Since he left I have been bullied by another member of staff who he protected me from. I have told my boss and he says 'he is dealing with it' but he can't be because nothing has changed. This person leaves me out - makes drinks for others and not me, brings sweets in for everyone but says I'm not allowed them, swears at me, spreads gossip about me and has started making a mess in the toilet which I am made to clean up.

In addition to this my working hours are now in excess of 48 hours a week. I told my boss this is against EU Working Directive and I think the law as I have not agreed to it and he said, 'if you don't want to work the door's over there'. I am also denied breaks in my day and the other day did 13 hours without a break and was shouted at for going to the toilet.

I don't want to lose this job because I am better off than I have ever been finincially and I like it but I am struggling to cope day to day.

Any suggestions of how to get through this difficult period? I am hoping it is going to be short lived but I don't know.

Thanks for helping out - you have always been so helpful in the past. I have had a good year up till all this happening - I have managed to make some progress in my life socially by joining a group but all that is at risk because I have lost my confidence and I tend to be mute when I am stressed.

Parents

  • Hi Muckworm,

     

    The disability law service (www.dls.org.uk) may be a good point of contact, they can offer you advice on your legal position.

     

    At the National Autistic Society (NAS) we  encourage people to tell their employer about Asperger syndrome as this way you can ask for support and adjustments. It is completely your decision who you would like to disclose to, and to what extent, i.e. whether to tell just HR, just your manager or your colleagues as well.  Do you have an HR department? HR often have a better understanding of Employment Law and the legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments for employees with Asperger syndrome.  We often advise that its helpful to send an email to your manager and the HR department.  That way you have a written record that you have informed them. 

     

    The problem that many people have is that they disclose to an employer, but the employer doesn’t  have a good understanding of Asperger syndrome, and theefore doesn't know what adjustments to implement.  If it would be helpful we can send you some factsheets aimed at employers, for you to send to HR and your manager.  We can also come to perform a workplace assessment. This is where one of our employment consultants visits your workplace and  produces a written report outlining difficulties you are having and adjustments that should be made to your role. The report will outline any current or potential concerns and give examples of practical strategies that can be implemented to remove or reduce any barriers you are facing.

     

    As the posts above mention, it would also be worth contacting your union to see what support they can offer.  It would also be advisable to keep a written record of events, or relevant emails as these will be your evidence base if you are looking to take action against your employer.  The disability law service can give you more information on this.

     

    If you would like us to send across the employer factsheets, or more information on workplace assessments please email us on employment.training@nas.org.uk

     

     

     

     

     

Reply

  • Hi Muckworm,

     

    The disability law service (www.dls.org.uk) may be a good point of contact, they can offer you advice on your legal position.

     

    At the National Autistic Society (NAS) we  encourage people to tell their employer about Asperger syndrome as this way you can ask for support and adjustments. It is completely your decision who you would like to disclose to, and to what extent, i.e. whether to tell just HR, just your manager or your colleagues as well.  Do you have an HR department? HR often have a better understanding of Employment Law and the legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments for employees with Asperger syndrome.  We often advise that its helpful to send an email to your manager and the HR department.  That way you have a written record that you have informed them. 

     

    The problem that many people have is that they disclose to an employer, but the employer doesn’t  have a good understanding of Asperger syndrome, and theefore doesn't know what adjustments to implement.  If it would be helpful we can send you some factsheets aimed at employers, for you to send to HR and your manager.  We can also come to perform a workplace assessment. This is where one of our employment consultants visits your workplace and  produces a written report outlining difficulties you are having and adjustments that should be made to your role. The report will outline any current or potential concerns and give examples of practical strategies that can be implemented to remove or reduce any barriers you are facing.

     

    As the posts above mention, it would also be worth contacting your union to see what support they can offer.  It would also be advisable to keep a written record of events, or relevant emails as these will be your evidence base if you are looking to take action against your employer.  The disability law service can give you more information on this.

     

    If you would like us to send across the employer factsheets, or more information on workplace assessments please email us on employment.training@nas.org.uk

     

     

     

     

     

Children
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