Trade Unions

[happyducky]

My boss at work has made in palpably clear that she has a personal dislike of me, and now I feel she is trying to drive me out of my job by cutting my hours. I am quite stubbornly refusing to quit and now I feel she is trying to make up excuses to sack me as I came on as "part-time" However, I made it clear I would be staying on. she doesn't "remember" me saying I was in a gap year, but before she went off me she said it was fine, however, I can't prove this. I'm worried she will sack me now and I don't want to lose my job. If I join a trade union, will this offer me security? And does it cost to join? I work in surf retail, is there any in particular I should be looking at? Thanks!

[Eve]

Try ACAS for some advice www.acas.org.uk.

[Fish the Mod]

First of all...dont worry. As a former boss...the law tends to favour the employee ( years of abuse caused this). Regarding unions, does the company you work for regonise one, if you work in a shop ( usdaw) . If not Acas is the first port of call. First, try and arrange a meeting alone with your boss, have prepared questions on what is bothering you and jot down the answers ( stay calm and dont mention unions at this stage). Most bosses in the UK are poorly trained and they tend to believe that because they are the boss they are more intelligent then you. Be smart, be honest and and hopefully you can come to an agreement. Suggest that holidays or gap years are submitted in writing. If this does not work then suggest you will be getting employment advice from a specialist and would they be prepared to answer to them.
As I mentioned earlier...small shop owners have little or no training and the local CAB can also help
good luck

[Memore]

hi if your company dont recognise a union you should just use acas - I work in employment law and she cannot by law reduce your hours without your say so as that is your terms and conditions of employment regardless of whether you are part time or not the law is the same - are you on a contract because if you are via an agency that makes a difference - you dont however have work rights by law until you have worked for 12 months at the same company. If she wants to sack you there is a 3 stage procedure that came into law fairly recently where she has to give you in writing the problem she has for disciplinary then you have a right to be accompanied at any meeting by union rep or colleague and then you have right of appeal - you must go to Acas as this reply would go on forever

[happyducky]

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. You've been extremely helpful. My main concern is that I have not signed a contract. Only one worker in the entire firm has seen one and refused to sign it as it was outrageous and far too demanding, so they said it would come into effect anyway. That's why I queried whether they could just get rid of me, due to this lack of contract!
Anyway, again, thanks for your time and help!

[Cennet]

You dont have to have signed a contract as such - a verbal agreement will suffice but thats when problems occur - your word against your boss

You are supposed to receive terms and conditions of employment after 8 weeks of employment by law but no law to say you have to receive a contract

All the previous advice is sound though - speak to Acas or seek legal advice