verylittlehelps

Very Little Helps => All departments => Topic started by: Nomad on 25-05-22, 02:17PM

Poll
Question: Do/did you suffer 'unfair' treatment by management ?
Option 1: No votes: 39
Option 2: Yes votes: 156
Title: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 25-05-22, 02:17PM
Be honest, have you suffered unfair treatment from a manager ?

Not treated the same as others, been 'picked on', expected to do more than others or had treatment which you knew they knew was out of process but they persisted !
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Hibobhi on 25-05-22, 02:53PM
Of course! I work for Tesco.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lackofinterest on 25-05-22, 05:03PM
Quote from: Nomad on 25-05-22, 02:17PM
Be honest, have you suffered unfair treatment from a manager ?

Not treated the same as others, been 'picked on', expected to do more than others or had treatment which you knew they knew was out of process but they persisted !
they've tried it more than once. what they want and what they get are two different kettles of fish :P
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 25-05-22, 05:39PM

OH YES!!! I think it's a common practice for newbies, until they know better!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Mark calloway on 25-05-22, 06:45PM
Definitely.  In fact it's ongoing.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 26-05-22, 06:32AM
I would go as far as to state it has become a lot worse over the years, and a significant increase from senior team!

Lack of training full stop!! A lot of team managers don't know what their own policies are, and wing it most of the time!
The majority of senior team are oldies on good contracts, just biding their time to a good retirement plan! The new initiatives have passed over their heads, and they aren't interested in learning either, God forbid any young whipper snapper join the senior team and showing them up for their ignorance!!

The personnel managers used to keep them all in check, but when the cull came, the good ones left in their droves, and the ones that remained, well, they knew they were rubbish, and wouldn't earn that salary anywhere else as they weren't related to the big bosses!!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Mark calloway on 26-05-22, 09:14AM
I hit no instead of yes. Arrrggh. Management are horrendous at our store. Out an
d out bullies.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 26-05-22, 10:15AM
Quote from: lucgeo on 26-05-22, 06:32AM
I would go as far as to state it has become a lot worse over the years, and a significant increase from senior team!

Lack of training full stop!! A lot of team managers don't know what their own policies are, and wing it most of the time!
The majority of senior team are oldies on good contracts, just biding their time to a good retirement plan! The new initiatives have passed over their heads, and they aren't interested in learning either, God forbid any young whipper snapper join the senior team and showing them up for their ignorance!!

The personnel managers used to keep them all in check, but when the cull came, the good ones left in their droves, and the ones that remained, well, they knew they were rubbish, and wouldn't earn that salary a

anywhere else as they weren't related to the big bosses!!

Back in my day Personnel Managers were glorified tea ladies ex-dinner ladies, plenty of young, head strong twenty-something store managers ran stores as they see fit, chiller chats and paying less than minimum wage ahoy, one of the PMs even managed to get their sons a job in-store, they were on route for fast track to SM until they got arrested for dealing cocaine, senior management swept it under the rug and said they found better opportunities elsewhere, to senior managements credit though they aren't wrong, prison officers and wardens aren't as resistant to the law as Tesco, they'd have to worry more about getting caught while at Tesco, there is an understanding of the thin blue line by senior management and government/legal officials alike, provided Tesco doesn't overstep the mark, they have nigh-diplomatic immunity status to employment law, they will still get punished, but it will always be punitively so, the government and judges know not to muddy the waters.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: penguin on 27-05-22, 10:36AM
I never as I would stick up for myself, however in my express days I witnessed a lot of unfair treatment towards some staff from a shift leader who was a bully and a bigot, he was awful towards both CA's and his fellow shift leaders. The situation was not helped as the SM was very weak as a leader and she would sit in her office and cry when anything went wrong rather than rectify the problem. I did on several occasions try to challenge the shift leader in question but he just used to laugh his head off and say words to the effect of "I can do what I want as I am in charge" and what happened to the shift leader you might well ask, he left to go and work for Aldi and is now an SM for them.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: sunshineman on 01-06-22, 01:47AM
What is needed to be honest is undercover people to go into Tesco and look at some of the managers. We have a couple of managers who go on cig breaks three times an hour. Not sure where they find the time. Some managers to talk staff in such a shocking way. We had one person who was training to be a manager who decided to give it up as they did not like how some managers spoke to people.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: biggerpicture on 01-06-22, 09:30AM
Not all managers are bad. There are some very good managers out there. Same as colleagues.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 01-06-22, 09:49AM
I had a colleague rant and rave about a manager yesterday. They were on rota for a certain time but had not turned up. They were angry because this meant manager was pleasing themselves about what shift they were doing. Turns out the manager had been asked to change shift due to an issue in managers rota. Some colleagues seem to think they run the store but these colleagues also tend to think that they work in the only dept that matters. They think they are the hardest workers in the store but expect support on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 01-06-22, 09:59AM
I'm always intrigued when colleagues complain about managers going out for ciggie breaks?? If they're out there, you know where they are if needed, and they're not hassling you!!
When they're hiding in the offices, or wherever else their hidey holes are, you've little chance of finding them in a hurry!

With regard to being spoken down to by a manager, you just raise your hand, state that you refuse to be spoken to in a tone which is against Tesco core values, and walk away! Trust me, they will not know what to say :o
Every colleague has "a right to a voice" and by walking away you are demonstrating your wish to remove yourself from the situation, diminishing the risk of further confrontation, ( especially if it is in a public area)  as you were becoming " emotionally flooded"  ;)

The more you recite their own Tesco phrases and core values in your defence, the more they'll " treat others as you would wish to be treated"!

Just on an aside here...are the core values still displayed prominently in your store??
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 01-06-22, 10:12AM
Quote from: Redshoes on 01-06-22, 09:49AM
I had a colleague rant and rave about a manager yesterday. They were on rota for a certain time but had not turned up. They were angry because this meant manager was pleasing themselves about what shift they were doing. Turns out the manager had been asked to change shift due to an issue in managers rota. Some colleagues seem to think they run the store but these colleagues also tend to think that they work in the only dept that matters. They think they are the hardest workers in the store but expect support on a daily basis.

Is it not the duty of the dept manager to inform their team of a change in their shift, by updating the dept rota ???

Whereas the colleague was incorrect in their assumption that the manager was turning up when they pleased, and in voicing that opinion, surely a simple update would have dispelled the frustration! Every dept is supposed to be run on communication, hence the use of communication books...or are these no longer in use??
It could just have been that an agreement had been arranged between the manager and colleague for a specific task or update during that shift, and they had been wasting time on preparation or putting time aside for agreed time etc..etc...

The only department's that "expect" support on a daily basis is fresh and checkouts and both get it in abundance!!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Tesla on 01-06-22, 08:40PM
Quote from: lucgeo on 01-06-22, 09:59AM
I'm always intrigued when colleagues complain about managers going out for ciggie breaks?? If they're out there, you know where they are if needed, and they're not hassling you!!
When they're hiding in the offices, or wherever else their hidey holes are, you've little chance of finding them in a hurry!

With regard to being spoken down to by a manager, you just raise your hand, state that you refuse to be spoken to in a tone which is against Tesco core values, and walk away! Trust me, they will not know what to say :o
Every colleague has "a right to a voice" and by walking away you are demonstrating your wish to remove yourself from the situation, diminishing the risk of further confrontation, ( especially if it is in a public area)  as you were becoming " emotionally flooded"  ;)

The more you recite their own Tesco phrases and core values in your defence, the more they'll " treat others as you would wish to be treated"!

Just on an aside here...are the core values still displayed prominently in your store??

Our night management couldn't give a toss about core values. It's do as I say not as I do. The old night lead was terrible and the current not any better.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 02-06-22, 10:09AM
 8-) And they get away with it because the staff let them  8-)
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 05:19PM
Staff are powerless, employment law is one of the areas where Tesco managers enjoy the privelege of near enough legal immunity.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 02-06-22, 06:17PM
Staff are not powerless, a group grievance for bullying still holds weight...not everything only ends up in law courts! :-X
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Tesla on 02-06-22, 07:33PM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 05:19PM
Staff are powerless, employment law is one of the areas where Tesco managers enjoy the privelege of near enough legal immunity.

Powerless yes but there is only so many times the courts can side with Tesco before they will rethink. Let's be honest nobody needs to work at Tesco's anyway.  It's going the way of McDonald's where the majority are part time or don't give a toss.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 08:54PM
There's an understanding between the courts and Tesco, because a significant part of the UKs GDP depends on Tesco, the courts and Tesco have an understanding, they can't punish Tesco egregiously as that would result in cuts at Tesco and money taken away from the tax man and a drop in GDP, thereby weakening the pound. And one of the first things the government will cut after civil servants will be from their legal infrastructure.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Totot on 02-06-22, 09:44PM
If our government understanding about macro economy like that, we are already doom.
Just because tesco gross selling is about 1.8% of gdp, doesn't mean if tesco stop operated, we will lose that much. Market demand will be still there and other competitor will pick it up,  and supplier will make a different route of marketing chain. Even if few product completely gone, their subs will arise to certain level, not completely gone.

But if government way of understanding macro economy like this, maybe they should rethink to pay much less of them self, if the output are not significant, their pay should also not significant.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: horatiocain on 02-06-22, 11:08PM
Do you know how often Tescoblose at tribunal.
They've the precedent for bad handling of flexible working requests.
They've lost 4 large cases this year for disability discrimination costing them over £80,000 thisbyear just on these 4 cases, and it cost them 6-10k a day to defend each case that reaches tribunal, a driver got 20k and his job back after a 3 day hearing.
50k and they lost, and they lose all the time  they settle often because management are c**p, and their legal defence knows it, a rep at my store has helped several people sue and he's won everytime.

Tribunals are set up for the everyman, use them, if people do then head office will become tired of the matter and deal with problems, you have to highlight it to those who will do something, most Stores are corrupt and do everything in their power to make sure it never gets out.
Use the tribunal services.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 11:40PM
All of these legal fines and compensations are punitive to Tesco however, they can lose these amounts every day for a year and it wouldn't equate to their legal budget

I hate Tesco and the government more than anyone, the way to hurt Tesco, and I mean destroy it from within is to do what I do and buy shares in the company every 3 months when the share price is lower in comparison, eventually you'll become a majority share holder and influence the decision making process.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 03-06-22, 04:11AM
Quote from: lucgeo on 01-06-22, 10:12AM
Quote from: Redshoes on 01-06-22, 09:49AM
I had a colleague rant and rave about a manager yesterday. They were on rota for a certain time but had not turned up. They were angry because this meant manager was pleasing themselves about what shift they were doing. Turns out the manager had been asked to change shift due to an issue in managers rota. Some colleagues seem to think they run the store but these colleagues also tend to think that they work in the only dept that matters. They think they are the hardest workers in the store but expect support on a daily basis.

Is it not the duty of the dept manager to inform their team of a change in their shift, by updating the dept rota ???

Whereas the colleague was incorrect in their assumption that the manager was turning up when they pleased, and in voicing that opinion, surely a simple update would have dispelled the frustration! Every dept is supposed to be run on communication, hence the use of communication books...or are these no longer in use??
It could just have been that an agreement had been arranged between the manager and colleague for a specific task or update during that shift, and they had been wasting time on preparation or putting time aside for agreed time etc..etc...

The only department's that "expect" support on a daily basis is fresh and checkouts and both get it in abundance!!

Colleague was just annoyed that manager was not in when they expected them to be, they told me as much. I was only manager in the building and had lots to do, I did check to see if all was ok with manager and it was a change that had not been updated on the manager rota and I told colleague this, she was not pleased. I explained that as we are a small management team these changes do happen for us and sometimes it is last min. Between us we have to cover all parts of the day. I did not explain to colleague reason for change as I did not bother asking myself, I just checked in to ensure fellow manager was ok and was not ill or involved in an accident on the way to work etc.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: FarmerFred on 03-06-22, 07:11AM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 11:40PM
All of these legal fines and compensations are punitive to Tesco however, they can lose these amounts every day for a year and it wouldn't equate to their legal budget

I hate Tesco and the government more than anyone, the way to hurt Tesco, and I mean destroy it from within is to do what I do and buy shares in the company every 3 months when the share price is lower in comparison, eventually you'll become a majority share holder and influence the decision making process.
Let's say that you manage to buy 40,000 shares every three months for 50 years - that's 200 purchases giving you a total of 8 million shares which represents..... less than 0.1% of the 9.7 billion shares issued. That's a great level of influence to have in the decision making process :D

As to your earlier post about the contribution of Tesco to the UK GDP... if Tesco got upset enough to pull down the blinds & shut the doors the other supermarkets would expand to fill the gaps in the market given that the majority of Tesco turnover is based around people purchasing essentials. It also ignores the fact that the majority of shareholders would be most unlikely to approve a course of action that would wipe out the value of their investments.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 04-06-22, 08:25AM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 11:40PM


I hate Tesco and the government more than anyone.

Any yet, you can't move on. It's just not healthy to live with that amount of hatred and as you no longer work for the company and have not done so for years you can let go. Just shop in other retailers.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 04-06-22, 11:00AM
[admin]Back to topic.[/admin]
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 04-06-22, 08:17PM
Quote from: Redshoes on 04-06-22, 08:25AM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 02-06-22, 11:40PM


I hate Tesco and the government more than anyone.

Any yet, you can't move on. It's just not healthy to live with that amount of hatred and as you no longer work for the company and have not done so for years you can let go. Just shop in other retailers.

I would if I didn't get a 20% discount shopping at Tesco.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Jackwarda on 05-06-22, 08:48AM
I don't think the company gives 20% discount do they? It's 10% then on 4 days of pay day 15%, have I got it wrong ?
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 05-06-22, 10:42AM
Company also only let colleagues retain discount if they retire or have been made redundant and the length of service and age add up to 80. If living in same accommodation as colleague you can have the second colleague card though.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 05-06-22, 12:40PM
My discount is different to the colleague discount in that it comes in the form of an e-gift card, I get 10% off the value I choose to buy (for example, I pay £9 to buy a £10 tesco e-giftcard,) what's great is that it stacks with my flatmates colleague discount (I have the 2nd colleague discount card) and for the 10% off from my portal discount, where I choose only to use that and not the colleague discount card as well for the 20% off I retain the full value of the clubcard points accrued (The colleague discount card gives 1 point per pound after deductions from the discount).

The reason I may choose to only use my discount and not my colleagues is that it's not excluded from certain products, meaning I can use the discount on things like tobacco, scratch cards, gift cards etc which I can't with the colleague discount, only exception is fuel.

There is also no personal use only clause in the t&c's of use, as long as I buy it from my own account, I'm free to forward the egiftcard to anyone who wants it.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 06-06-22, 06:36AM
That's a lorra lorra effort just for a few bob in savings with Tesco, when you'd probably spend less with the discounters   ???
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 06-06-22, 12:55PM
Tesco superstore is just down the road, also discounters are cheaper for general goods after the 10% discount, not the 20% discount though.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: balaAsonibeta on 09-06-22, 11:12PM
Yes,, I am the youngest worker there, work till 12am and STILL have to do the hard working jobs like stay on self serv, even tho my body would be killing me on there for 7 hours,, no matter how many times i tell them that i need a break and still go on my break at the latest time
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 10-06-22, 08:50AM
You cannot work more than 4 hours without a break!

If you have more than one break to take, they should be spread evenly throughout the shift, do you have a scheduler with your set break times written down ???
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: No1Angel on 29-06-22, 05:02PM
Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I'm at a bit of a loss! Earlier today my manager called me into a meeting  for lateness. I have severe ADHD, and the agreement made at my interview was that because this makes time management very difficult for me, I have 10 minutes leeway to get in to work 'on time'. Today, my shift started at 11am, and I clocked in at 11:04. My manager then promptly asked me to come with her to a private room, and then asked me why I am late and why I didn't not call the store to inform them of why i wouldn't be on time. I apologised and said that I didn't realise I was late today, when she told me I was 10 minutes late. At this point, knowing I clocked in at 11:04, I checked my watch to see that it was currently 11:07, as I'd left the clocking in room to start working on shop floor between clocking in and this meeting. I told her that it was 11:07 currently and my shift starts at 11:00, causing her to stare at me in disbelief, before storming past me and saying 'that's DISGUSTING what you've just done'.

I was certainly confused by this, so I carried on working the shopfloor and just tried to keep it out of my mind. Throughout the day she was very rude to me, not answering simple questions (I.e. 'would you like me to clear the cardboard cage?' Was met with a dismissive 'if you want'). When it came time to schedule breaks, she completely ignored me, and did not schedule me in for one! I had to wait until she'd left and another manager was in to get myself put on the break schedule, which ended up being half an hour before my shift finished.

Am I overreacting here? I do feel like I've been humiliated and victimised for my disability, and even if I wasn't disabled in this way I feel that she handled this very unprofessionally. Does anyone have any advice? The managers are very cliquey so I'm not too comfortable going to any of them, but I'd hate to potentially ruin her career by escalating too far. Help!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 29-06-22, 05:25PM
Never go into a meeting with any manager without being accompanied by somebody you trust as being a reliable witness, and hopefully has some knowledge of correct procedure.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Jackwarda on 29-06-22, 05:49PM
I quite agree with @Nomad. Never go into meetings unless you have a rep or someone you trust. Any incidents that you have, put it in a Diary [Yes, I know I keep banging on about diarys] but it comes in useful when you have to reflect or make notes for meetings etc. Report the manager! Further more, if a manager is rude to me, shouts, adopts aggresive behaviour, I will let them know and ask them why and to stop and follow up with reporting to SM and file a complaint. Never Give In, Never Surrender!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 29-06-22, 05:59PM
The only thing disgusting is her immature, unprofessional and vindictive behaviour  :o
Is she new? Is she aware of your interview agreement, and is the agreement in writing? Who interviewed you, and does that person work in your store? If so, ask for a "let's talk" with that person and ask if all the managers are aware of the agreement, as perhaps the manager in question is ignorant to the fact, which could explain her behaviour towards you as perhaps she thought you were being insolent? This is being passive aggressive...making your point, whilst innocently highlighting the pre agreement and the managers behaviour towards you! Don't forget to throw in that she probably isn't aware, as Tesco is renowned for management mental health awareness and the equalities act  (-*-)

The last thing you need is a stroppy manager! Regardless of whether they are a clique or not, there are codes of conduct, and Tesco policies that must be adhered to and Tesco will throw them under a bus if they get caught out on bullying or any discrimination under the equalities act!



Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 01-07-22, 09:08AM
You need to fill out an adjustment passport. This is a formal document held in your file. It details what you will be like on your best days and on your worst days. It then details support you may need.
After the adjustment passport you can be referred to occupational health. They are impartial and give recommendations to help and support you. These recommendations to the store do not have to be followed but with us being such a big company it's expected that they should find a way to follow them. It's a phone conversation with either a nurse or a doctor. They are trained medical professionals that act as the go between.
Late clocking is currently being monitored as it generates an exception. Managers are being questioned about how many exceptions they have on a daily basis. That being said, if you have an agreement with your manager that is documented you both need to work together on this and try and resolve.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 01-07-22, 11:34AM
Surely an adjustment passport is to acknowledge there is an adjustment needed from your agreed working conditions, as in support due to a change in temporary or permanent capabilities.

No1Angel declared their condition during their interview, and was duly offered the position and employed with their condition acknowledged. They should not then be subjected to fill in an adjustment passport or any referral to occupational health, as they already been diagnosed by medical professionals and declared it!

It is irrelevant to No1Angel, as to late clockings being monitored, and certainly should not be expected to explain their condition to every Tom, Dick or Harry incompetent manager, who fail to familiarise themselves with any possible reasons, before going full throttle!!

No1Angel doesn't have an "agreement " with anyone, they have a medical condition which was declared from the outset! It's certainly not a case of having to work together with any pompous, ill trained manager, to try to resolve  >:(
Resolve what for gods sake??? Are they suddenly expected to be cured!! The constant need to explain themselves and their condition, which incidentally is covered under the data protection act, to anyone who asks for an explanation, is insulting and demeaning! If they wanted it to be common knowledge, they'd have their doctor consultations in the waiting room!! >:(  >:(
And let's not get started on the Equalities act >:(  >:(

Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 01-07-22, 05:26PM
Kwasi Kwarteng doesn't very much like employees rights, he's therefore looking at allowing employers to use agency staff to cover striking members and to eventually dilute employment law even more in favour of employers.

Judges and the government already have to toe the line to Tesco management, this move would just give them more power to become Teflon to equality act claims.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lackofinterest on 01-07-22, 06:06PM
who the f*** is he/she?? never heard of him/her.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: jgerry on 01-07-22, 06:20PM
NightAndDay, what are you smoking? Am I right that you no longer work for Tesco? Isn't it about time to move on?
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 01-07-22, 08:08PM
As of recently, I'm back in Tesco in a new role, but not in store, oh no, I'm now the head of software development at the London office.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Tesla on 02-07-22, 12:37AM
Don't give too much away  :)
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Teddybonkers on 02-07-22, 12:52PM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 01-07-22, 08:08PMAs of recently, I'm back in Tesco in a new role, but not in store, oh no, I'm now the head of software development at the London office.

God help us !
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 04-07-22, 08:22AM
Quote from: lucgeo on 01-07-22, 11:34AMSurely an adjustment passport is to acknowledge there is an adjustment needed from your agreed working conditions, as in support due to a change in temporary or permanent capabilities.

No1Angel declared their condition during their interview, and was duly offered the position and employed with their condition acknowledged. They should not then be subjected to fill in an adjustment passport or any referral to occupational health, as they already been diagnosed by medical professionals and declared it!

It is irrelevant to No1Angel, as to late clockings being monitored, and certainly should not be expected to explain their condition to every Tom, Dick or Harry incompetent manager, who fail to familiarise themselves with any possible reasons, before going full throttle!!

No1Angel doesn't have an "agreement " with anyone, they have a medical condition which was declared from the outset! It's certainly not a case of having to work together with any pompous, ill trained manager, to try to resolve  >:(
Resolve what for gods sake??? Are they suddenly expected to be cured!! The constant need to explain themselves and their condition, which incidentally is covered under the data protection act, to anyone who asks for an explanation, is insulting and demeaning! If they wanted it to be common knowledge, they'd have their doctor consultations in the waiting room!! >:(  >:(
And let's not get started on the Equalities act >:(  >:(



An adjustment passport should be in place for anyone with ongoing health issues. If you are diabetic, asthmatic etc you should have one. At the beginning of Covid it was found that a lot of the vulnerable people did not have an adjustment passport in place. Did not matter if declared at interview. The health situation still applies. If documented properly there is security for colleague as it's not a verbal greenest with a manager who can later deny or move to another role.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 04-07-22, 09:28AM
So why was one not put in place by MM when No1Angel started the job.  MM negligence yet again no doubt.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 04-07-22, 09:46AM
As always, Redshoes talks in red & blue.   8-)
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: madness on 05-08-22, 09:44PM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 01-07-22, 08:08PMAs of recently, I'm back in Tesco in a new role, but not in store, oh no, I'm now the head of software development at the London office.
So you are more useless than a MM making up new useless programs that don't work with the real world or on the shop floor.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Bobmay on 30-08-22, 08:13AM
It is already happening especially now that tesco is looking to cut hours of some stores looking to remove night shifts. The manager wants to pit pressure on staff than they can leave without redundancy which is what will make them have bigger bonus.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 30-08-22, 11:45AM
Quote from: madness on 05-08-22, 09:44PM
Quote from: NightAndDay on 01-07-22, 08:08PMAs of recently, I'm back in Tesco in a new role, but not in store, oh no, I'm now the head of software development at the London office.
So you are more useless than a MM making up new useless programs that don't work with the real world or on the shop floor.

There are 2 things wrong with your comment.

1. Head of software development doesn't mean I decide the requirements and the use case of the software my team develops, the stakeholder for Retail operations would do that.

2. I don't make the programs, my team does, I do code reviews, document reviews, strategic meetings, forecasting, budgeting, training and coaching, Tesco operates in an agile way using KANBAN and CI/CD principles to execute their deliverables, it is very much a teamwork based environment with clearly defined roles and expectations in a devops environment.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lordadmiral on 30-08-22, 04:55PM
And we all know theat stakeholders want all sorts c**p which is impossible to implement or will break something else beacuse implementation is over complicated.
Oh an better it would be done asap.
And code doesn't have documentation so no one know what does what.
And it takes days, sometimes weeks just to set-up environment before you ask that question, "ok, so what you want me to do".
Or being paid hundrets of £ a day to find that one bracket in the wrong place beacuse someone had an idea to write several hundreds lines long function with dozens nested if statement and no bloody comments.
Or 20k lines JS with global single character variables, and again no comments.

Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 02-09-22, 07:59PM
A lot of these Retail management/director positions are non-jobs, extra to requirements. "Brand Managers", "Customer Engagement Director", far too much money invested into glorified marketing managers.

My job actually requires skill and knowledge in a concrete domain, we all know that Retail operations is mickey mouse, but it is in the structure for some reason, the role requires a common sense approach to processes, so many people are thrown into Retail operations even I fail to see the value. The fact they're paid more than my team of developers is also scandalous in my opinion.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Doormat246 on 30-10-22, 08:12PM
Quote from: Nomad on 25-05-22, 02:17PMBe honest, have you suffered unfair treatment from a manager ?

Not treated the same as others, been 'picked on', expected to do more than others or had treatment which you knew they knew was out of process but they persisted !
I was forced to go on a career break by manager as she wouldn't accept any sick notes off me it was agreed she contact me every 4 weeks but I've had no contact, when I manage to go shopping in the store I'm sneered at and ignored blatantly by my manager.  So I've emailed a complaint to store manage, head office and the union be interesting to see what comes out of this
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: forrestgimp on 14-11-22, 09:07AM
How does a manager 'not accept' a fit note? have you challenged this with anyone.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Sewingbee on 14-11-22, 05:40PM
Quote from: Doormat246 on 30-10-22, 08:12PM
Quote from: Nomad on 25-05-22, 02:17PMBe honest, have you suffered unfair treatment from a manager ?

Not treated the same as others, been 'picked on', expected to do more than others or had treatment which you knew they knew was out of process but they persisted !
I was forced to go on a career break by manager as she wouldn't accept any sick notes off me it was agreed she contact me every 4 weeks but I've had no contact, when I manage to go shopping in the store I'm sneered at and ignored blatantly by my manager.  So I've emailed a complaint to store manage, head office and the union be interesting to see what comes out of this

A line manager on their own can't just not accept sick notes. When I was on long term sick with my fractured foot last year, I had several 'wellness meetings' with my manager, before they asked for my authorisation to be assessed by an occupational therapist after 6 months.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Vespa2001 on 14-11-22, 06:54PM
I seem to receive unfair treatment off more than one manager but my actual manager is a decent person and leaves us to get on with our work. Certain people seem to get away with things whereas they will be on my back about stuff. A certain manager recently reported me for refusing to do as they had asked when I was on my break at the end of my shift. The manager was most surprised to find out off my actual manager that it was acceptable I was on my break! They went to cause trouble accusing me of refusing to do as they asked and saying I should not be on break at end of shift. The manager actually came to apologise to me when they found out not only did my manager know but approved. That manager was always on at me but their own staff were left to stand around and chat whilst I'm on my own in my department and have no help. That manager has just left thank god. I've had things shouted down an aisle to me off the deputy manager not nice things either.
    The deputy also issued me with lets talk for not doing a certain job which was previously done by another department. I was not told by anyone that that task was now expected to be done by me, so unfairly treated once again as getting into trouble for not doing something that I didn't even know I was supposed to do. I could type many more unfair similar incidents. It's annoying when you can see others getting away with being lazy and having extra breaks, other GA's the same as me.
     Last week another temporary manager arrives (with a reputation of being nasty from their previous store) and already caused trouble for me again being unfair. So yes managers are unfair in my experience.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: oldfashionedplayer on 15-11-22, 02:24AM
it's actually in policy that breaks aren't allowed to be taken within the first hour, or the last hour of work... So that is a valid complaint, breaks are supposed to be inbetween your shift as much as I'd like  to just save up my break and just clock out early...

If your getting let's talk's for jobs, you can issue them too, keep a note of what you've been told, who's said what job you need to do, ask at the start of the shift "What are my job duties" and "Can you be clear in what my Job duties are", along with "I'm making notes about the Job duties you've given me due to protect myself" - They soon back off because it's then all clear as day..

If your shouted stuff by a manager, just honestly ignore it until they come over, or go and explain that you don't take kindly to verbal abuse and that if they need you to come talk to you, make a note of EACH time they shout etc..

Found this way keeps them off your back to be honest.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: trivi on 15-11-22, 08:59AM
@oldfashionedplayer do you know where the policy is for breaks not being taken at end of shift? Lots do it in my store
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: londoner83 on 15-11-22, 09:48AM
I'd question why people want to take breaks at the end of their shift and whether they actually remain in the building and clock out at the end of their contracted hours. If they are leaving early and not clocking it can actually be classed as misconduct.

Breaks exist to allow employees a period of rest during their working day and are a legal requirement.

 By purposefully delaying breaks until the end of their shift these colleagues may well exceed the number of hours you can legally work without a break - which if you then have a accident at work could well be bought up and used against you in any potential compensation claim you may have.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 15-11-22, 10:04AM
@Vespa2001...playing the devil's advocate here but could it be you? Are you unwittingly winding people up? We sometimes had colleagues who were very vocal about unfair treatment by managers, usually unfounded.

As already been stated, you can ask for a 1-2-1 with any manager to discuss your concerns regarding treatment toward you.

The ruling has always been to not be holding back your break to the last hour. A lot do it and go home early. One point being that colleagues are working longer than legally allowed between breaks, another that they are contracted to work to a certain time, so the store can expect the cover for those hours in department. Occasionally, due to staff shortage or unexpected circumstances during the shift, it may be that you have a break later, but people should not be holding back, to go home earlier.

No manager should be calling you from your break, any colleague called from their break, for whatever reason, are entitled to return and resume their full break again from scratch. So if you had a 30minute break, and was called away from it at any point ( even if you had only a few minutes left to take) you go back and start your 30 min break again!

Any manager shouting down an aisle at you, a grievance should be placed immediately. You would be in your rights to walk away from the shop floor, to remove yourself from the intimidating situation.

You say your manager is a fair bloke, why are you not approaching him for support, more to the point, why is he not supporting you and taking up your complaints with the other managers??

Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 15-11-22, 10:51AM
QuoteThe manager was most surprised to find out off my actual manager that it was acceptable I was on my break! They went to cause trouble accusing me of refusing to do as they asked and saying I should not be on break at end of shift. The manager actually came to apologise to me when they found out not only did my manager know but approved.

If above is accurate then Vespa2001's actual manager has a policy knowledge deficiency, and bares a large portion of the blame.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: madness on 16-11-22, 12:54PM
Quote from: lucgeo on 15-11-22, 10:04AM@Vespa2001...playing the devil's advocate here but could it be you? Are you unwittingly winding people up? We sometimes had colleagues who were very vocal about unfair treatment by managers, usually unfounded.

As already been stated, you can ask for a 1-2-1 with any manager to discuss your concerns regarding treatment toward you.

The ruling has always been to not be holding back your break to the last hour. A lot do it and go home early. One point being that colleagues are working longer than legally allowed between breaks, another that they are contracted to work to a certain time, so the store can expect the cover for those hours in department. Occasionally, due to staff shortage or unexpected circumstances during the shift, it may be that you have a break later, but people should not be holding back, to go home earlier.

No manager should be calling you from your break, any colleague called from their break, for whatever reason, are entitled to return and resume their full break again from scratch. So if you had a 30minute break, and was called away from it at any point ( even if you had only a few minutes left to take) you go back and start your 30 min break again!

Any manager shouting down an aisle at you, a grievance should be placed immediately. You would be in your rights to walk away from the shop floor, to remove yourself from the intimidating situation.

You say your manager is a fair bloke, why are you not approaching him for support, more to the point, why is he not supporting you and taking up your complaints with the other managers??



Was thinking the same, If EVERYONE else is a horrible person except you. Maybe You are the problem.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 02-12-22, 04:14AM
Yea I just got dismissed today 😑

Past year they had me doing 60+ hours and at times 80+ a week, totally messed me physically and mentally.

They put me on a first warning for lateness and I asked for support and got nothing, skipped a 2nd and went to final and again I told them my hours were killing me I need support and got nothing, luckily when I got a reinstated final for lateness the senior finally admitted in the meeting I didn't get enough support, and it was good for like a week then once again my hours start going up 🤦

So finally got a little control of my work life, then on a s*** day I'm expected to work backdoor/grocery alone and do all of produce alone plus be at pfs and put barriers outside for Christmas Market (so about 4/5 peoples worth of jobs).

Made a mistake and absent mindedly took a quick puff of my vape before I entered the pfs due to stress, admitted to it asap, before they even said anything to me and bang I'm dismissed after a investigation and disciplinary stating I take all the work load on myself and nothing is placed on me by management 😒

Honestly I was thoroughly used, abused and excused this past year but now I'm sacked so still in 2 minds if I should appeal 😂
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 02-12-22, 09:04AM
So what exactly were you dismissed for? Vaping or a final warning escalation?

From what I can gather vaping isn't illegal in a petrol station, and if this was the case you'd have been suspended? We're you suspended?

If you can clarify the exact reason for dismissal it could go some way to advising your best form of defence.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: oldfashionedplayer on 02-12-22, 11:11AM
I'd assume that because there is "No Smoking" at petrol stations, that it's forcibly included with vaping too, since they count it towards an electronic product like phones to not use near pumps - meaning I guess it would come under Gross Misconduct for doing it with the potential for an immediate dismissal based on the severity...

Reporting it would help the case, if anything that should of lowered it I would of thought, the fact that there was a warning already may of just been the icing on the cake for them to just get you out the door perhaps? I'd honestly look at the appeal process, in the face of that you've requested mental health support, you've not been given it and without thinking with the immediate stress you were under lead to actions you wouldn't otherwise of committed in your X amount of service..

Certainly something I'd say to challenge if it was based upon lack of support. - Also if the notes state you "just wanted to take it all on by yourself" knowing full well that it's lead to problems, that comes under Poor Management on their behalf as they are supposed to support all members of staff, so if you've been saying it and asking for help, how long has that been going on? why hasn't that been addressed previously? how many other managers knew about it? how many other colleagues experienced the same? there's plenty of questions to be had there.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 02-12-22, 01:26PM
Adding to the above from oldfashionedplayer...if it is written down regarding your excessive hours, that you take it upon yourself? Have you been working unpaid?
I'm at a loss to understand how the management can disassociate themselves from the amount of hours you claim to have worked, if you've been getting paid? You have to declare an opt out to work up to a certain amount of hours per week, I seem to recall it was 46hrs?? It should have flagged up if you were constantly working to excess and clocking in and out?? Who overrode the exceptions?

If vaping isn't specifically stated on the petrol station signs alongside phones and smoking...then that could be a get out clause! Farting gives off a gas, but no signs for that  ???

I hope you were given a copy of all meetings?? Especially the lack of agreed support, and the manager accepting that it was a mitigating factor to your well being!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 03-12-22, 01:04AM
Quote from: lucgeo on 02-12-22, 09:04AMSo what exactly were you dismissed for? Vaping or a final warning escalation?

From what I can gather vaping isn't illegal in a petrol station, and if this was the case you'd have been suspended? We're you suspended?

If you can clarify the exact reason for dismissal it could go some way to advising your best form of defence.


Dismissed for have a absent-minded vape on pfs forecourt b4 i went in 🤦 honestly now im thinking straight even i know that was dumb but cuz i was on a reinstated final i got dismissed 🤦 life huh
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 03-12-22, 01:08AM
Quote from: oldfashionedplayer on 02-12-22, 11:11AMI'd assume that because there is "No Smoking" at petrol stations, that it's forcibly included with vaping too, since they count it towards an electronic product like phones to not use near pumps - meaning I guess it would come under Gross Misconduct for doing it with the potential for an immediate dismissal based on the severity...

Reporting it would help the case, if anything that should of lowered it I would of thought, the fact that there was a warning already may of just been the icing on the cake for them to just get you out the door perhaps? I'd honestly look at the appeal process, in the face of that you've requested mental health support, you've not been given it and without thinking with the immediate stress you were under lead to actions you wouldn't otherwise of committed in your X amount of service..

Certainly something I'd say to challenge if it was based upon lack of support. - Also if the notes state you "just wanted to take it all on by yourself" knowing full well that it's lead to problems, that comes under Poor Management on their behalf as they are supposed to support all members of staff, so if you've been saying it and asking for help, how long has that been going on? why hasn't that been addressed previously? how many other managers knew about it? how many other colleagues experienced the same? there's plenty of questions to be had there.
Ow I asked every time they gave me and investigation for lateness that I was tired from excessive hours topping 60+, even the senior who reinstated my final said I didn't receive support from all the other meetings, which annoyed me because they admit they didn't help but I'm stuck on a damn final or was at this point 😂
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 03-12-22, 01:10AM
Quote from: lucgeo on 02-12-22, 01:26PMAdding to the above from oldfashionedplayer...if it is written down regarding your excessive hours, that you take it upon yourself? Have you been working unpaid?
I'm at a loss to understand how the management can disassociate themselves from the amount of hours you claim to have worked, if you've been getting paid? You have to declare an opt out to work up to a certain amount of hours per week, I seem to recall it was 46hrs?? It should have flagged up if you were constantly working to excess and clocking in and out?? Who overrode the exceptions?

If vaping isn't specifically stated on the petrol station signs alongside phones and smoking...then that could be a get out clause! Farting gives off a gas, but no signs for that  ???

I hope you were given a copy of all meetings?? Especially the lack of agreed support, and the manager accepting that it was a mitigating factor to your well being!

Yea got all the notes, and yes I signed the opt when I started but I know they cleared my exceptions in wages, I mean the day I got sacked I was on day 16 of continuous work, in Sept I did 6 weeks without a day off, honestly that place f***ed my over.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Twinkletoes on 03-12-22, 10:45AM
to be honest what kind of idiot would agree to work that many hours or that many days in row? You are as much to blame for your demise as them.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 03-12-22, 01:01PM
Quote from: oldfashionedplayer on 02-12-22, 11:11AMI'd assume that because there is "No Smoking" at petrol stations, that it's forcibly included with vaping too, since they count it towards an electronic product like phones to not use near pumps - meaning I guess it would come under Gross Misconduct for doing it with the potential for an immediate dismissal based on the severity...

Reporting it would help the case, if anything that should of lowered it I would of thought, the fact that there was a warning already may of just been the icing on the cake for them to just get you out the door perhaps? I'd honestly look at the appeal process, in the face of that you've requested mental health support, you've not been given it and without thinking with the immediate stress you were under lead to actions you wouldn't otherwise of committed in your X amount of service..

Certainly something I'd say to challenge if it was based upon lack of support. - Also if the notes state you "just wanted to take it all on by yourself" knowing full well that it's lead to problems, that comes under Poor Management on their behalf as they are supposed to support all members of staff, so if you've been saying it and asking for help, how long has that been going on? why hasn't that been addressed previously? how many other managers knew about it? how many other colleagues experienced the same? there's plenty of questions to be had there.

Not using a phone whilst fuelling is a rule because you need to pay attention to what you are doing and a mobile is a distraction. A passenger in a car is allowed to use a mobile phone.
If called to give support at pfs a vape on the way is not appropriate. There is no such thing as a smoke/vape break.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 03-12-22, 01:42PM
Quote from: Twinkletoes on 03-12-22, 10:45AMto be honest what kind of idiot would agree to work that many hours or that many days in row? You are as much to blame for your demise as them.

Yh i am but once i reached a point i just didnt have the energy to fight bk and say no
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 03-12-22, 01:44PM
Quote from: Redshoes on 03-12-22, 01:01PMNot using a phone whilst fuelling is a rule because you need to pay attention to what you are doing and a mobile is a distraction. A passenger in a car is allowed to use a mobile phone.
If called to give support at pfs a vape on the way is not appropriate. There is no such thing as a smoke/vape break.

Yea there's no such thing but there is such a thing as stressing your staff member out to the point they make a stupid mistake.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: gomezz on 03-12-22, 08:47PM
I occasionally need to use my inhaler when parked up in my dot com van during a gap in deliveries.   To the passer by who doesn't look that closely it may look like I am vaping.  Will have to watch that.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 04-12-22, 08:35AM
@ Meh19923

Did you have a union rep at any of these meetings?

The fact that you had worked excessive hours, and it was being accepted by managers overriding the exceptions, should have been brought in as mitigation?
How can you be disciplined at prior disciplinary meetings, when they have broken the rules? 16 continuous days without a break with 60+ hours per week, and they blame you for allowing it?? No follow up support meetings as agreed?

They failed to follow the support guidelines, which should have voided the prior warning before the warning the senior retracted.

Were you getting the full breaks during your excessive shifts? Having a draw on your vape en route to the PFS could have been you taking a 5 min break, due to lack of breaks during your shift! Until you actually walked into the kiosk, you were not technically in a Tesco building  ??? is it written anywhere, either in the policies for people or on signs in the PFS specifically regarding vaping? If not then it's an assumption, not a binding rule! Vaping is not smoking, there is no naked flame at the end of the vape to ignite any fumes!

If you are a union member, I would suggest you ask them to appeal the sacking, due to the previous warnings not being complied with, and the overriding of the exceptions! It would be the area rep that came in to rep you.
If not, I'd suggest you contact ACAS for advice, either way, you're not losing anything and it will use up Tesco time at a busy trading period!

@ Redshoes, there IS such a thing as a smoke/vape break, it's what some choose to do on their breaks! Also how many colleagues slip out to the smoking area during their shift for a quick ciggie, and get away with it, as they're out there amongst some managers, so is overlooked!

Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 04-12-22, 11:58AM
I have seen smoking breaks in previous stores. It can very quickly get out of hand. It builds great resentment from non-smoking colleagues.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: chris9997 on 04-12-22, 12:57PM
Not sure if this helps but working  60 hours a week is against the working hours directive isnt  it?
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 04-12-22, 01:04PM
Redshoes.

"There is no such thing as a smoke/vape break." then you need to tell MM, the biggest offenders.

"I have seen smoking breaks in previous stores." so you have knowledge of their existence and acceptance by MM.

8-) 

Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 04-12-22, 01:06PM
@chris9997...Exactly! And if @Meh has written notes from any meetings mentioning the excessive hours he's worked, payslips proving to working illegally, and all with the store's knowledge, due to exceptions being processed by managers!
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 04-12-22, 04:48PM
Quote from: lucgeo on 04-12-22, 08:35AM@ Meh19923

Did you have a union rep at any of these meetings?

The fact that you had worked excessive hours, and it was being accepted by managers overriding the exceptions, should have been brought in as mitigation?
How can you be disciplined at prior disciplinary meetings, when they have broken the rules? 16 continuous days without a break with 60+ hours per week, and they blame you for allowing it?? No follow up support meetings as agreed?

They failed to follow the support guidelines, which should have voided the prior warning before the warning the senior retracted.

Were you getting the full breaks during your excessive shifts? Having a draw on your vape en route to the PFS could have been you taking a 5 min break, due to lack of breaks during your shift! Until you actually walked into the kiosk, you were not technically in a Tesco building  ??? is it written anywhere, either in the policies for people or on signs in the PFS specifically regarding vaping? If not then it's an assumption, not a binding rule! Vaping is not smoking, there is no naked flame at the end of the vape to ignite any fumes!

If you are a union member, I would suggest you ask them to appeal the sacking, due to the previous warnings not being complied with, and the overriding of the exceptions! It would be the area rep that came in to rep you.
If not, I'd suggest you contact ACAS for advice, either way, you're not losing anything and it will use up Tesco time at a busy trading period!

@ Redshoes, there IS such a thing as a smoke/vape break, it's what some choose to do on their breaks! Also how many colleagues slip out to the smoking area during their shift for a quick ciggie, and get away with it, as they're out there amongst some managers, so is overlooked!



There was no support given until i reached  a seinstated final where they admitted i had no support from any of my meetings, the vape was on pfs forecourt of actually just b4 i got to the forecourt 🤔 i deffo feel like i should appeal cuz they constantly had me working and always said its my fault, i remember just when i got a reinstated final my boss quickly tried to make me sign a opt out form for sundays and close my availability and i messaged her stating this support should have been given along time bk
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Beentheredonethat on 04-12-22, 06:05PM
Please see the attached Smoke Free Workplace policy circa September 2018 attached.  Specifically mentions you can smok or vape while walking between buildings.Smoke Free Workplace v3.1 September 2018TESCO.pdf
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: whatajoke2019 on 04-12-22, 06:17PM
In terms of Working Time Directive, if you've signed the form to say you're happy to work more than 48 hours a week, then you should be on site no longer than 60 hours a week (including breaks).

Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 05-12-22, 07:57AM
Just trying to be clear.
Were you staying back beyond your finish time or were you being asked/pressured to do so?
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 05-12-22, 08:07AM
Quote from: Nomad on 04-12-22, 01:04PMRedshoes.

"There is no such thing as a smoke/vape break." then you need to tell MM, the biggest offenders.

"I have seen smoking breaks in previous stores." so you have knowledge of their existence and acceptance by MM.

8-) 



Yes, I have seen managers and colleagues in other stores take smoke breaks. This does not mean it's acceptable practice and I did not say I did not try to stop it and had accepted it. It is bad practice and does nothing but build resentment.
I have also seen it where it's accepted that nobody takes less then a 15 min break and if you want to smoke it is part of your break and this works much better, as expected.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 05-12-22, 09:48AM
The best thing that ever happened to the smokers was the ban on smoking indoors!
Prior to this, breaks were easily monitored, a quick walk through the canteen by managers checking on who was there at what time and for how long was the norm, and the loiters quickly brought to task!

Now the restroom is empty most of the time, those who are on a break will have a quick drink and something to eat, before going out for a smoke. Some will just take their entire break outside, so the monitoring of times is no longer feasible.

Our SM was a non smoker and would often threaten to do away with the smoking benches. The PM was a smoker and forcefully challenged every time! The SM even instructed managers to go out to monitor who was out there and for how long!

Fast forward a couple years, a smoker and close family member to the SM, arrived having miraculously gained a full time colleague position  ??? Every red call out they went! Every half hour or so, out they went!
Yep the monitoring of the smoking area was no more  :-X
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 05-12-22, 10:33AM
Quote from: Redshoes on 05-12-22, 08:07AMI did not say I did not try to stop it and had accepted it.

You also did not say 'However smoke breaks are widely practiced, and accepted by some management.'

Some may say in some stores it has become custom and practice.

Redshoes, always best to tell the full picture.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 06-12-22, 03:03AM
Quote from: Redshoes on 05-12-22, 07:57AMJust trying to be clear.
Were you staying back beyond your finish time or were you being asked/pressured to do so?


I was continually asked and pressured in their way " ow plz stay or we'll be screwed" or " cmon u can do us a solid" " you owe us for looking out for you" BS
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: gomezz on 06-12-22, 11:23AM
It may be too late for you but for others the trick is to learn to say No.   Even if you can or may even want to do the extra say No to start with.  Then let them persuade you but only if there is a quid pro quo of at the very least that they know you are doing them a huge favour.

What you do not want to happen is that you become known as a soft touch for doing extra.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Meh19923 on 07-12-22, 03:15PM
Please do not quote immediately prior post(s).  .Admin.

100% agree they really used and abused me during my time there, they made me do their s*** and then turn around saying I took the responsibility on my own back, which is bull why would I give myself extra jobs for a minimum wage job, also its been a week and yet they haven't sent my dismissal letter like wtf how do I appeal when I have only 2 weeks and 1 week was waiting for the letter saying how I do it, but my store was dodgy as f***, they broke their own policies using me  by withholding stock found by stock control to throw to charity to save prs, damaging ooc to save prs, fudging availability to make the store look better and at time selling ooc thinking customers wouldn't know the codes on veg, also making me work all of my department (veg) alone (superstore) and tip wagons and run to pfs and put barriers outside in a span of 7.5 hrs then say that's normal for multiskilled people like f*** off who else in that store did that,  nobody that's who'
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 08-12-22, 03:30AM
Quote from: Nomad on 05-12-22, 10:33AM
Quote from: Redshoes on 05-12-22, 08:07AMI did not say I did not try to stop it and had accepted it.

You also did not say 'However smoke breaks are widely practiced, and accepted by some management.'

Some may say in some stores it has become custom and practice.

Redshoes, always best to tell the full picture.

I said I have seen it in other stores, not the same as widely practiced.
I have also seen it come up in a forum as number one irritant to colleagues, even those who also smoke.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: NightAndDay on 08-12-22, 10:23AM
Smoke breaks are endemic in every store I've worked in, I've never had a problem with it as they wouldn't have normal breaks instead, interestingly enough, there are far fewer smokers in the office, none of the team I work with smoke (at least as far as I'm aware, most are hybrid workers).

The whole smoke breaks vs non-smoke breaks thing isn't a problem as long as it's managed correctly in terms of fairness, and that is a very easy thing to do, only one manager I worked with was inept enough to have caused a divide over it, they didn't last long suffice it to say.

Saying that there were a few kiddywinks that have been caught having unauthorised smoke breaks, but these types never last more than a few months or a year at most.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Nomad on 08-12-22, 11:10AM
@Redshoes you have either completely missed my point or deliberately avoided it, that being that in your  earlier comment on 'smoke breaks' you failed to give the full picture.

End of conversation.
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: Redshoes on 09-12-22, 08:40AM
The whole smoke break thing was not the main question. It came about as someone being in trouble for a vape at pfs.
Checkouts have a break list, they have to go when sent. PFS and CSD are mostly single manned now so breaks for them are also restricted. Most smoking areas require colleagues to walk out the store in front of front end colleagues. They see colleagues going on numerous smoking breaks but then also see them in canteen later. Smokers in front end ares can't ask for numerous breaks, they have to take a break of a minimum of 15 mins.
Shop floor colleagues see fellow workers disappearing. They are not gone for long but disappear randomly. They complain, the point is that nobody likes it other than the smokers who do it. It should not happen. I have seen in other stores but at most it tends to be one or two people as as such it is not at a level to be classed as epidemic.
When it happens Colleague is spoken to, problem goes away but slips back and process starts again. Problem can go away for a very long time and when it comes back it is for a very short period of time. As such it's something I'm aware of but it's not a big problem.
It's 5+ years since I have worked with a manager that smoked. In one single store I worked in there was one single manager that took smoke breaks but when colleagues complained to store manager they were stopped from doing so, problem resolved. 
Title: Re: Unfair treatment
Post by: lucgeo on 09-12-22, 09:28AM
It's six of one...the non smokers time the smokers, but they're not being productive whilst stood there timing them are they? CSD colleagues stand yapping at quiet times, or go wandering off for numerous toilet breaks! Other shop floor colleagues will go and "get ready" to finish a good time before end of shift! Colleagues note these things too, and this is where it gets silly!

I personally had occasions to talk non smokers out of reporting smokers going for a crafty puff!! It's counter productive, it causes bad feeling and a lot of negativity. You end up getting colleagues reporting each for petty things to get their own back, and whereas the managers may be loving it at first, once it gets busy, their whole time ( and the rep's ) is taken up on petty squabbles, meetings and reprimands! If they don't, then they're accused of favouritism or singling out individuals for cautions!

Best to live and let live... if they get caught that's their lookout, same for those colleagues idly yapping and those disappearing off the shop floor 20minutes before their shift ends!