What is Inappropriate Stress?
Inappropriate stress is a form of bullying which uses authority over you or other employees to force you into situations that are outside of your responsibilities, and often single you out, though they may choose to do this to a group of people also. Your employer must ‘force’ you to engage in these activities –
Essentially you should never have to put up with colleagues or employees pressuring you into taking on extra duties against your will. If you have been assigned a large workload that is not possible to complete in a regular period of work, and you are being forced to stay behind to meet an unreasonable deadline, consult your employment contract to see if they have the right to do this.
You should speak to your Human Resources department, union or a colleague first before seeking legal advice. Only get legal advice from ourselves or a solicitor as a last resort if you are completely unsure of your rights, and wish to have a professional advise you.
Non-Contracted Hours
Employers will typically have you sign a contract that includes the hours you must work, but they cannot force you to do more than your contracted hours. It is your decision whether you accept additional hours if they are requested. If you feel pressured into doing more than your contracted hours you should contact your HR department. If this is not possible, or you are unhappy with their conduct you can consult one of our team who can mediate matters on your behalf.
Denial of Your Contractual Rights
You have the right to enjoy certain contractual and legislative benefits from your work. Employers cannot deny you these benefits, even if you choose to not take on unnecessary responsibilities or work overtime. Check your employment contract to see what your rights are, and be aware of any variation clauses.
Right to a Salary
As an employee, you have the right to be paid for your work. If your employer withholds your salary from you without due cause or has not paid you on time, they are failing to adhere to your contractual rights. You have the right to demand immediate payment from them. The terms of when you will be paid, such as the date, the amount (if working on a salaried basis) and the frequency of payment will be listed on your employment contract. If they fail to pay even after your demand, you are entitled to enforce your right to payment through taking legal action or through your union. You may also seek to inform your Human Resources department of the breach in your contract.
Your employer cannot make deductions from your salary unless the deduction falls within the categories listed clearly under your employment contract. This may be initial deductions such as material costs for producing uniforms for your use, or general costs when stock is damaged by you. Your employers are not legally permitted to create new clauses without your permission or prior knowledge and consent. If your boss tells you that they are making amendments to your contract, you must re-read the contract and be fully informed of its contents well before you sign it.
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