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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
I have been reading up on this issue and it seems that whilst there is a considerable amount of information regarding dermatitis and colophony sensitivity, there does not seem to be much on other reactions. I have been contacted by someone who has developed teary eyes, runny nose and more worryingly, stomach cramps as a result of her employer switching branded stationery (and thefore paper and ink). Does anyone have any other cases? It does seem that the only option for her is to change jobs.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
I suggest Thompsons. They only deal with union member claims and all their staff are union members.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
I think you have given your honest view Noel!
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
You're right Phil - just the point I was making. I do have a certain amount of sympathy with small company employers and would support any call for financial assistance for such. But, I do believe that medium to large enterprises CAN and SHOULD bear the cost of such instances. After all, how often does the extreme example you give really happen?
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
P Browning, your comments concern me. Are you in a relationship? If you are has your other half faced this kind of discrimination? I presume you are male (your comments suggest this) and the law should protect in instances where a female applicant faces a line of questioning that would not be put to a male applicant. If not, should we then move to a line of questioning concerning how many children and exact dates?? Or should we just employ women of above child-bearing age? Of course the concern you may have here is "Are they considering fertlity treatment?(!
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Why shouldn't businesses pay for basic language lessons? It's a case of wanting their cake and eating once again. We see too many cases where cheap labour is used and not all have a degree - far from it. It's these vulnerable migrant workers that need support, training and help with the language. At the very least they should be able to understand health and safety instructions and fire evacuation procedures.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Don't let this person get to you like this. You will give a good impression by being you - you got your current job on that basis. Do not take any notice of other people's rudeness and if you are trying to lose weight, do it for yourself and not for anyone else. Good luck with it.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
When you say that the 'contract suggests we can dismiss... with one week notice', how strongly is it suggested? You also hint that there was a verbally agreed change to the usual contract offer in this case. A verbal agreement should stand; morally I would feel obliged to abide by a notice period of a month.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
The union I work for does not have any 'qualifying period'. I don't quite know where you have got that impression from, Anne. Indeed, most take up personal cases as soon as the application form has been received. May I further suggest to Anonymous that you look at the following webpage:
http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/index.php
This will guide you to the best union for you to join, although as you are in the retail sector(?) I would suggest GMB or USDAW (www.gmb.org.uk or www.usdaw.org.uk).
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Anonymous, my advice - join a union. You have been a victim of bullying at your workplace and have they certainly have a case to answer. It won't help you find a new job, but it will give you the support you need to make working there a lot more bearable.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
My employer - the GMB Trade Union - has taken the decision to 'go green'. Currently, we have a deal with Toyota for the Avensis. These are leased on a two year basis and then replaced. From this month however, once the two years is up, we will be switching to the Toyota Prius. The advantages of this are two-fold; it's cheaper to run (fuel and tax savings) and of course greener. There has been a lot of debate on the subject, but I for one support the move wholeheartedly. I would have to though, I am the Regional Health & Safety Officer!
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Hi Stefan
My opinion is that you have to tread a little carefully but as long as you follow your own internal procedures you should be fine. I would put the request in writing and give him a period of time to produce it. Explain that if it is not forthcoming, then he will be suspended (pending further investigation) as you have to 'assume' on the balance of evidence presented to you (i.e. no driving licence etc) that he is not road legal and therefore cannot carry out his contractural duties.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Kevin is right. Most companies look towards less hazardous alternatives and certainly trade unions push this idea. There remains too many instances where untrained staff/employees are injured at work due to lack of training and COSHH assessments.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Hi all
Sorry I haven't posted back until now - I've been moving house.
Thanks for all your really useful advice and pointers. I'm unsure about the exact details of the case as I was asked a 'general' question. Rest assured I will get back to this discussion as and when necessary!
Again, many thanks to all of you.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Thanks for your help. I'll check this out.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Does anyone know if there are any health and safety hazards/dangers related to working in close proximity to high voltage switchgear transformers?
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
Hi Mike
It's a strange way for the insurer to do business. I've never heard of anything like this before, but ultimately if the employee himself has agreed to this information being released, then the DPA is not undermined. I would however, as the file holder, speak to the insurers direct and ascertain exactly what information they DO require and send only that. You could argue the point that it is part of the employer/employee (implied contract term) relationship and not for the eyes of anyone else.
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
I agree Anne. I'm sick to the back teeth of people complaining about these steps being taken. It has been a long time coming. It could and should have been addressed many years ago, I agree. But what is the alternative? Do nothing for another couple of decades? Legislation introduced and designed to avoid discrimination quite simply has not been a deterrent.
My guess is that most of these complaints come from white males...
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
I've heard Max Clifford is taking up the claim of the grape involved. Stand by for a storm of publicity as perdicted by Redmond, including a centrepage spread in the new catalogue by 'Fruit of the Loon'...
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Craig Stuart
Member - 37 posts
I remember at the time this story broke, that Thomas Cook vigorously denied any wrong doing in terms of maintenance etc. Why shouldn't individuals stand trial for the deaths of two innocent children? If they have nothing to hide, then they have nothing to fear? Travel companies must be held responsible for all the properties they use and sell to us as holiday makers. What started as a normal school holiday break turned into a life sentence for the parents and someone must be culpable.
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