[Citrine]

I dont know where to start. I have worked in the same place for nearly 2 yrs. I am in the UK. My employers are not a decent company. No training, no reviews, no pay rises. They do things they shouldnt, they pull the wool over people eyes if they can. They employ from within, people who know each other and thus its a self controlling crew. Friends and family dont fight or compete the way strangers do. I am the only outsider. The advert indicated hours to be discussed and when they were in my interview the hours offered/ suggested did not match what I ended up working. Roped into working all strange shifts due to holidays, sickness, leavers. I went with it because I needed the job and others also did the same. I signed something but wasnt given a copy.

One group have the same days and hours per week then another group work all different days and hours. I am one of them. For my first 2 months I `trained' if thats what they call it. Then I went onto early evening shifts, then they lost staff and by then I was good and they put me on late shifts. Then 8 months ago they put me on days. Mostly the same days and starts but they werent exact. Others have been and gone and some came back.

Within the last month they have suddenly disrupted my shifts again. I saw it coming and was told by another that they are planning on getting rid of a person that does a certain pattern and he joked and said that he and a supervisor had suggested I do it (there are others that could do this) so in a way I was warned. I was also told that I have been talked about..certain people would like me gone so the hours I do do could come available.

I have twice spoken to a manager and asked not to be put on the shifts that end in the early hours. They kill me. I never discussed these in my interview. I have said Im ok to do them but they must be rotated between me and the 4 other members of staff that could also do them (3 are new and on trial..but they are connected/related to higher staff) These wicked shifts are being dumped on me and Im being pushed into them.

I have spoken to one of the other all rounders like me and she told me no one, including herself will do them. She has accepted less hours so she gets out of doing them, on purpose to show them, no shes not doing them. Thats great, that means they are left to me. The company is so sneaky. Ive had to argue to get the right holiday pay and the written statement required by law in UK is absent! no one speaks up. They use the hours/rota as reward or punishment. They employ peoples friends and family. There are supervisors, managers and higher managers that are situated miles away. NO contact numbers, no HR.

You are going to tell me to leave such a disorganised company but I cant. I have to work. I loathe this company. I hear terrible stories about fraud and deceit. I stayed becuase was always told theres a pecking order you wait your turn and you get given stable days one day. This isnt happening. The new ones, a brother and friend of a supervisor are taking them, now.

Im so worried. I know its long but its so hard to explain. Its so interwoven and messy. I have asked advice from ACAS but they give standard textbook answers (raise grievance after talking it through) If I could leave tomorrow I would

[H3rmit]

You deserve better, and they aren't going to change. Make it a priority to find something else before quitting. Seems the most important thing, since you can't afford to quit today it seems. Good luck.

[gayleggg]

Yes, I agree. Start looking for something else. In the mean time, try to work on managing your anxiety by practicing some breathing exersices. You deserve better and shouldn't have to put up with the treatment you are getting, unfortunately, it doesn''t sound like it is going to change in this company. Wish I could offer better advice.

[Pierro]

Theres no union there then. I am sorry that you have to put up with that situation at work. You are in a catch 22. You cant leave but staying there is not an option. The only thing is to try to look for another job while you are there. I know its easier said than done. Best wishes amd I hope that you get another job soon.

[Citrine]

No there is no union. Im not in one independently either. Though I could join tomorrow if it would help kick their asses. I look everyday for new jobs, even in work on my phone. Thanks for your support, Im kinda down tonight. Today was a bad day as certain whispers indicate they are up to manipulating me into doing what they want or getting me to quit. Im such a good honest reliable worker too. Despite my depression (not a soul knows) I go in work hard and never let anyone down. My face doesnt fit. I dont know blahblah who knows blahblah. I know I will be better out from it but I cant afford not to work. Damn money, rules our lives.