Rate this!
Chris Nelson
Member - 1 post
Could somebody please advise what the law states is a reasonable restroom (if this exists) provison.
Currently our organsiation is looking to remove our quiet soft chaired and tv'd rest room and merge the facility with a canteen which is all to often frequented by others within our organisation holding meetings. We work in a highly stressful environment and feel perplexed that our meal breaks, once our solice are soon to become equally stresfull with an ever growing popluation being forced into an area that is rapidly shrinking and used inadequatley.
Rate this!
David Price
Member - 80 posts
Sorry,
Can I say that it's not your rest room, it is the companys rest room, and no doubt they pay the TV licence as well. Some of these areas look shabby and the furniture wouldn't look out of place in a skip, and they tend to be for the few rather than the majority, and therefore it would make sence to move it to a more accessable area to aviod a them and us devide.
So I think you can say goodbye to this type of rest room as it is a thing of the past, just having a canteen is a bonus these days.
I work in a building that has neither of these, and regularly have to pop out to get a sandwhich and either eat it in the park or at my desk, I would love to sit in an armchair and relax whilst watching the TV, wouldn't we all.
The law states that you must be able to take a break away from your desk, or place of work at meal times, which means that you can eat your lunch anywhere, or rest anywhere. I would think the addition of a TV would just encourage people to stay longer than they should, espically when sporting events like wimbledon are on.
Your company can do what they like, afterall it's their floor space not yours. and perhaps if it has been abused in the past, by adding it to the canteen is one way of still providing a suitable area without people lounging around like they are at home rather than at work.
Rate this!
sheena farenden
Member - 60 posts
I can understand both sides of this argument though I do feel that the practice of holding meetings in this combined room must be stopped.
As space becomes a precious commodity rest rooms as such will disappear as long as you have somewhere to go that is all that is important and in many workplaces this has gone as well.
Have your employer actually stated they will get rid of the comfy chairs or could you negoiate a split room with some comfy chairs and some table and chairs. Dependent on how many staff there are this couild be possible.
Basically as long as they provide suitable and sufficient space and equipment can you really complain
Rate this!
Colin England
Member - 55 posts
Hmmm,,,,
In some industries, rest rooms were provided at the request of HM Factories Acts Inspectors and/or there maybe agreements with the Unions that rest rooms are provided. Rest rooms were commonly provided for women employees only during the 2nd world war.
In another scenario rest rooms may over time have become custom and practice and so be part of the terms of employment - even if not actually written into the peice of paper (or the staff handbook)(just to show that I am keeping up with recent case law!!!)..
Employeers tamper with longstanding arrangements such as rest rooms at their peril. I would advise -- tread carefully and consult with Unions and or the staff direct. Act reasonably and not in haste.
As an aside -- reference has been made on this thread about the condition of the furniture (it would not look out of palce in a skip). The employer has a duty of care even in a rest room and any furniture provided must be fit for purpose. In my own experience - no one pays for the TV Licence - it just does not occur to anyone that a licence must be obtained.
This site is for employers and HR advisors. Does anyone know of a web site where employees can get advice or assistance?
Rate this!
sheena farenden
Member - 60 posts
Colin
This site as I understand it is for Managers and despite what some think most managers are employees and oh dear some are actually union reps.
Taking this in to account all should realise that a good manager should take into account their staff point of view, the legal duty and try to balance the interest of the employer and employees to maintain a productive motivated workforce.
In this case the manager is I presume trying to stop a major issue with some staff blowing out of all proportion. Surprisingly I find that major issues such as pay are not what causes the most trouble but things such as parking and building facilities.
Please also think of staff with disabilities that maybe need to take a quite break in the day where do they go - often the rest room.
I feel that some managers just use this site as a how can legally bully my staff site. I do not believe that this is the intention of the owners.
0 (0)
