Bullying

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

S C — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:43:01 GMT

Thank you for your replies everybody. No wonder nothing has ever been done about her. I discovered today in conversation with my manager that this woman and her partner stay in their house while they are on holiday looking after it and their dogs!!! This is despite the fact that she slags them off behind their backs and they do it to her too!! They also know that she is a bully as the assistant manager acknowledged that she was when I complained before. They have also heard her saying at 10 am 'is it 5 o clock yet' as she always wants to go home as she hates it there so much. They even laughed behind her back when she recently trod on a nail at work and had to go to hospital!! Her language is atrocious, her attitude is appalling and they know all this! I think my managers actually have NO friends to ask in which case I should just PITY them instead. I still feel angry however. This woman is in tomorrow. I'll see what she is like to me then! WHAT A DREADFUL PLACE TO WORK YET IT COULD BE FANTASTIC! It is like working on the set of a bad soap opera!!!

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

Caro Laithwaite VN — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:09:17 GMT

Hi also have my site with general info

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

Practice Manager — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:02:00 GMT

Employment law sqaurely puts the issue of bullying at the feet of the employer. It is their responsibility to deal with it and any failure to do so is only going to make things worse.

Have a look on the ACAS website at the section on bullying. there is a good booklet that I used with a member of staff after I disciplined them for bullying at work. It is aimed at those being bullied and the bully themselves and might prove useful to show others at your workplace.

Thanks

Ian Thompson

Practice Manager

Ashfield Veterinary Group

www.ashfieldveterinarygroup.co.uk

Practice Management Consultant

www.PracticeManagementConsultancy.com

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

FINNIGAN — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:42:20 GMT

could you not all get together and confront your bosses, safety in numbers etc, maybe if all of you went to your bosses they would have to listen and take action!!

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

hissycat — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:24:54 GMT

I agree with gillian, when the problems start right from the top things are unlikely to change. If things have already been brought to their attention and nothing has been done it seems unlikely that they will suddenly start taking things seriously. As for the other staff, someone said about them backing down to save their jobs and they are prob right about this, I have been in a situation where I have brought something up expecting full support from colleagues when none was forthcoming. I hate to say but if you are bearing the brunt of this woman then maybe theres also an element of 'rather her than me' It sounds like a very upsetting and infuriating situation to be in, and I don't know your personal circumstances but sometimes it is better to just walk away and leave something like this behind you. You will find better. If this isn't an option then def keep a diary of events, but bear in mind that trying to get rid of this person is likely to be drawn out and stressful, more so without the support of the other staff, and sometimes however much you might want to see her get her comeuppance it may not be worth the cost to your own health. Also try and remain strong and dignified and don't show too much of a reaction when she has a go. Good luck

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

christinam — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:15:22 GMT

I don't know enough about the ins and outs of bullying cases, but I do know a written diary is evidence, also keeps things fresh in your head. Also if ( I kind of think you should as not just her, but also managers need to be taught a lesson in relations) you go down the road of tribunal you need stuff like this. But please visit CAB before you do anything, as in order to bring a tribunal you need to go down the right paths (meetings etc), they also give advise like bringing people to meetings with you.

Your managers have a duty to protect you.

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

S C — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:33:14 GMT

Now removed.

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

christinam — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:12:46 GMT

But is she like this coz she keeps getting away with it?

It maybe worth talking to someone legal (?BVNA), but also collect evidence and keep written diary. Or CAB, as could be a tribunal case.

I also wouldn't rely on other members of staff, they may promise help but when comes to the crunch they may back out once the... hits the fan, in order to save themselves/ jobs.

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

S C — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:04:02 GMT

Now removed.

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

Maisy — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:02:32 GMT

Crikey! I would have to agree with Gillian as from the sounds of it there will be nothing done to sort out the managers appalling behaviour. If people above her won't implement any change to how the place is run then it is unlikely to improve. You sound really unhappy and its not surprising-if you do decide to move elsewhere I would make it perfectly clear your reasons why you're going.

I hope everything gets sorted.

Re: Bullying/being treated like an imbecile etc

Gillian Mostyn — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:42:54 GMT

I rarely reply to posts like these anymore but you have come across so upset that I really hope you get all this sorted for yourself.

I'm afraid you probably won't like my advice, but it would be to start looking for another job. Any business will be led and heavily influenced by the leadership. If your charity has poor leadership, then things are unlikely to improve. The bully you mention is probably intimidated by your abilties and worries that if you are taught more you will become as able, or more so, than her - unfortunately a problem I have seen a few times in vet nurses. Most people, fortunately, want their junior staff to gain knowledge and skills - but not everyone does. However, even if she leaves or changes, unless the leadership changes the cycle will continue with someone else. It is obviously making you miserable and no job is worth that. Take care and I really hope things improve for you.