A woman who killed herself on the 12th anniversary of her husband's death left a note blaming her former employers, saying "you have blood on your hands". Caron Flitcroft had been offered a job as an education boss but it was withdrawn because her former company told her new employers she'd been sacked, an inquest heard. Her partner revealed Mrs Flitcroft had suffered work related stress since her husband had passed away in 2005. She was also being investigated for fraud, although no charges were brought against her before her death, and was spending all her free time applying for work. But after securing a job earlier this year, the widow had the offer withdrawn after a reference was forwarded which mistakenly said she had been dismissed from her old job for "gross negligence." The 57-year-old was found hanged in her garage at her four bedroomed home in Grotton, near Oldham, Greater Manchester in August last year. She was found next to a note which named her ex-employers and said: … [Read more...] about “You have blood on your hands”: Woman killed herself on anniversary of husband’s death and left note blaming former employers
Employment
Amanda Jones: Employers must pay more than lip service to issue of harrassment
0 Have your say Having exposed the level of harassment endured by women in all fields of work and life, the #MeToo campaign looks like the defining movement of 2017 and employers can’t ignore it. While initially allegations of harassment came from the entertainment industry, the personal accounts of individuals, shared on social media, demonstrated that sexual harassment appears prevalent throughout most industries. A BBC Radio 5 Live survey found that 53 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men had experienced sexual harassment at work. However, most said that they did not report the conduct. That is of concern in relation to the impact on the individuals; but employers are surely also being hit by consequent sickness absences, lack of productivity and attrition rates linked to such behaviour.Most employers have a grievance policy that refers to harassment. Some employers will have specific harassment or dignity at work policies. However, in order to properly address … [Read more...] about Amanda Jones: Employers must pay more than lip service to issue of harrassment
Advance in fight against ‘bogus self-employment’
A union is claiming another victory for workers fighting “bogus” self-employment in a settlement it says is worth tens of thousands of pounds in back pay. The GMB was preparing to take an employment tribunal case on behalf of a group of Midlands-based drivers working for logistics company UK Express, which delivers for Amazon. The GMB argued that UK Express drivers are wrongly defined as self-employed instead of employees, and so were entitled to paid annual leave, the national minimum wage, paid rest breaks and protection from unfair dismissal. An agreement has been reached to avoid a tribunal hearing, with some drivers receiving almost £20,000 in back pay, said the GMB. Maria Ludkin, the union’s legal director said: “This is yet another brick in the road in GMB’s battle against bogus self-employment. “Some employers seem to think they can avoid paying the minimum wage, or giving their workers the protection. “However, as Amazon and UK … [Read more...] about Advance in fight against ‘bogus self-employment’
Workers fear two-week holidays are ‘frowned on’ by employers
More than a third of people living in the South East do not take a two-week holiday because they believe it’s frowned on and discouraged at their workplace, a study has shown. New research from British Airways has also revealed that 60 per cent of South East workers did not take a fortnight-long holiday in 2017. The stats also showed that: Over a third of South East residents are afraid to take two weeks of holiday due to work stigma That 43 per cent of South East residents revisit their favourite holiday destination more than six times Nick Hewer, ex-advisor on BBC One show The Apprentice said: “As an employer, a happy work force is key to having a happy, and most importantly, a successful business. “Employees need time off work to unwind and relax in order to perform to the best they can and it’s shocking that so many UK employees not only don’t take two weeks annual leave, but when they do, find it hard to switch off and enjoy their time out of the … [Read more...] about Workers fear two-week holidays are ‘frowned on’ by employers
Crisis talks over future of company that employs hundreds in Sheffield
0 Have your say Crisis talks are being held this weekend over the future of a troubled engineering company which employs hundreds of people in Sheffield. Reports suggest Carillion is in financial crisis following the announcement of net debts between £875m and £925m, and a pension shortfall of £587m. The company, which has offices in Sheffield and Leeds, is trying to reach an agreement with creditors and it is understood talks with high-ranking Government officials from the justice, transport and business departments are taking place this morning in a meeting chaired by the Cabinet Office. The firm is a key Government contractor for projects including the HS2 high-speed rail scheme, schools and prisons.It has a call centre in Broad Street West that employs 250 people and is the main contractor on a £19m contract – part funded by business – to build flood defences along a five-mile stretch of the River Don in the Lower Don Valley.Carillion is … [Read more...] about Crisis talks over future of company that employs hundreds in Sheffield