Hi just wondering if there is an Employment Law Solicitor out there who may be able to offer me some advice. To give a bit of background I was diagnosed back in 2010 had a double mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. At the beginning of December I stopped taking Tamoxifen. I have been in the same employment all along and have always been a conscientious employee. Last week I was called in to one of the partner’s offices completely out of the blue and told that they are not happy with my telephone manner (I have been Receptionist for many years and this has never been mentioned previously in my annual appraisals). Then he went on to say that they have concerns about my declining/deteriorating (sorry can’t remember exactly which word they used) appearance - particularly my hair! I was gob smacked I am 52 (possibly menopausal) and have never been so insulted in my life! I do not have very manageable hair but wasn’t aware that it was that bad!! Having had some time to think about this (and believe me I can’t think about much else!) I believe this could be as a result of finishing the hormone treatment after a long period of time. I no longer want to go to work each day and am unsure whether they are entitled to speak to their staff in such a manner. Is there a proper procedure for this type of thing? I am thinking of going to a Solicitor to see if there is anything I can do about this, and whether it has been handled appropriately. If anyone has any experience in this and can advise me initially, I would be most grateful. Thank you - Sunnyday or should that be Badhairday!! x
Not a specialist… maybe ask ACAS - i got loads of advice from them. Also access your work policies, relating specufically to areas you mentioned. Maybe ring the helpline too, euther here ir nacmillan, and finally are you un a union at all ?
is misetable to feel so battered, good luck x
Definitely speak to ACAS. Regardless of the size of the organisation they should have policies. It is just bad manners and not appropriate for a partner to pull you up unnecessarily about your phone manner, and certainly your hair!
That said, you would expect a receptionist to be well groomed and good on the phone - do you recall a day when you had a difficult or rude customer? Or a particularly bad hair day?
Did they give you a formal warning? There are rules about warnings - you need to be told in advance and in writing that you are called to a disciplinary hearing, you can be accompanied by a colleague. They should then adjourn the meeting whilst they discuss the appropriate way forward.
You could make a formal complaint to one of the other partners, but if it’s a small company you probably don’t want to rock the boat. However, if it continues it could be construed to be harassment or bullying - but again if you make a formal complaint you have to accept the consequences and atmosphere that this could create. You’d need to be prepared to jump ship - and claim constructive dismissal if they make your life intolerable that you feel you can work there any more.
I friendly word to a senior person you get on well with us probably the best step forward.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on x