I am a comunity carer who cycles to my clients but am now being discriminated just because i don't drive?

Question

I was sent a letter from my new boss stating that because i cycle i am un able to get to clients on time and they will not be giving the people that cycle any more work .is this discrimination just because i dont drive what can i do about as the goverment are trying to get people out of there cars i have wrote to my boss but had no response, i ave also been to the cab and acas but they have not helped me. i love my job very much and it fits in well with my life as i am a single mum

Answer 1

I would contact your local newspaper & TV station with that 1,
but from an environmental point of view...ITS OUTRAGEOUS,

& how can they presume you are any less reliable because you dont drive, very odd.

good luck

Answer 2

Who do you work for....... NHS or local government?? That's what I'm wondering. I'm very cynical about large organisations who have all the right things written into policies - but you find when working for them, discrimination, bullying and all that kind of thing is rife!! (Can't tell I'm cynical can you..... and an ex-employee)

I work as a support worker in a team of 4 - I am the only one that uses a car for work purposes!! The others all use public transport. When booking in appointments we just all make sure that we allow enough time between them for travelling.

Haven't your employers realised that you aren't as expensive as someone claiming mileage allowance or bus fares? And that you are looking after our environment? Obviously not, or they don't care.

I'm surprised that CAB weren't more helpful.

Try your Union if you are in one, or if you aren't, ask a Union Rep - it might be worth joining to get help with this.

Other than that, talk to a more senior manager further up the line, or ask for guidance from HR - but just be aware, that in my experience HR seems to be there more to back up Managers than to help employees.

Try your local press, sure they'd love a story like this - make your employers squirm. Ask your clients what they think, see who else in the organisation also cycle or use public transport and how they are treated.

Good luck - but don't give up a job you love just cos you've got a lousy boss...... Don't allow yourself to be bullied, it's harassment.

As a real last resort if you end up losing your job, try and get one at a charity - they are much more understanding, up to date, and appreciate different needs and approaches.

Hope it doesn't come to that though.

Answer 3

To be sent a letter from your new boss stating that because you cycle to work you are not going to arrive on time at your client's home is ludicrous. A community carer is a very important job. There are not enough of you as it is. I am sorry i do not know the law on whether this is discrimination. You could try a solicitor. You could try your local MP. Also if you want to bring this situation to the attention of your local community you could try your local newspaper they might be interested in writing an article about your situation. You and they could try to find out if this has happened to any other community carer's. You could try emailing the Prime Minister Tony Blair on his Internet site. You could try several petition's one on Tony Blair's site, one in your community, one with social workers, one with nurses, home helper's, disabled people themselves, day centre's, Doctor's, hospital's. The list is end list really, it depends how much work you WANT or NEED to put into this.
I hope if you find through a solicitor if this is discrimination that the right person pays for doing this to you. We need more people like you in the world to-day.Good Luck.

Answer 4

If you are in the UK that is unbelievable. I can tell you that I drive to work and quite often people who walk or cycle end up beating me to their destination! Cycling is quicker, no parking expenses or problems, won't break down, not to mention greener. That said, I will stick to my car!!. It's just the thing this government would do. Write to the Daily Mail about this - they will love it!. On a serious point, speak to your manager about this - it's absurd!

Answer 5

its preposterous to discrI'minate you for cycling to work, im sorry but i would go straight to my manager and if you get no joy there go see a lawyer . And a big well done for going to work in the first place considering your a single parent and finding childcare is hard at least you are trying to make a decent living for your family, there are so many bad reviews concerning single parents and its totally unfair.

Answer 6

If you can't get to your clients on time then set out earlier.

It's not discrimination as you obviously can't fulfil your contract properly.

I am not criticising you, you no doubt do a good job - just not fast enough for your employer.

Answer 7

That is gross discrimination. I cant believe that in a country that is premoting a ' green enviroment' that can happen. If i were you i would look for a job where they appreaciate me and not a job that want me to do as they want me to.

Answer 8

I'd seriously speak to Citizens Advice, that is damn right out of order!!