Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Claireabella]

I’ve finished work today for two weeks and have been really looking forward to it to be honest. My colleague, who I share an office with, asked me today when I was due back and I said the 28th April. He already knew this and I explained that I still have 8 ½ weeks of holiday entitlement to take before August and he looked at me surprised. I explained that I had carried 5 days over from last year (which is the maximum I can carry over) and as I only work part time, I only have to book the days I usually work.

 

He made some comments about how he’s always in the office on his own (mainly because I work part-time and he works full time) and how I should have taken the 5 days I carried over within the month that my holiday entitlement was renewed (although I had already agreed with my line manager that I could take these throughout the year). He continued to make comments and I actually now feel guilty for taking my holiday entitlement. Since last August, I have only had one week’s holiday, which was at Christmas. I couldn’t stop thinking about it on the way home and his comments have really upset me to be honest. It’s like he thinks I shouldn’t be allowed any holiday leave because I only work part time anyway. Surely I shouldn’t be made to feel bad for taking the holiday I am entitled to?

[The Dogmother]

No you shouldn't

 

He is just jealous and would probably like to work part-time himself.

 

It doesn't sound as if you are taking more than you are entitled to, so just enjoy your hols and let him get on with it. If he has some sort of issue with the staffing levels, then that should be taken up with the line manager, not with you.

[Egluntyne]

Don't feel guilty! Take the matter up with your line manager if he continues to niggle at you in this manner. He needs to understand that the clue is in the word 'entitlement' and that your terms of employment are none of his damned business. If he can't cope with being in the office on his own, then he needs to make an approach to the boss for an extra worker.

 

Take the time that is owed to you and have a wonderful holiday.

[Bramble]

We're not allowed to carry holiday over (for very sensible reasons - I don't have a problem with that policy) which means I often lose holiday - last year I only lost a day, but it's more than a week that I've lost in some years - I really think you should take all of the holiday you are due - I'm sure your colleague takes all of his leave and you might want to remind him of that if he starts again - don't let him make you feel guilty - he might well like to work part time, he probably forgets though that you are paid accordingly!

Be strong!!!

[keyhole kate]

Don't feel guilty! Take the matter up with your line manager if he continues to niggle at you in this manner. He needs to understand that the clue is in the word 'entitlement' and that your terms of employment are none of his damned business. If he can't cope with being in the office on his own, then he needs to make an approach to the boss for an extra worker.

 

Take the time that is owed to you and have a wonderful holiday.

 

I agree have a lovely break he's just being jealous and mean Eglutyne summed it up perfectly

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I agree with all the above .

[Daphne]

Don't waste any more of your time thinking about this man. He is completely out of order and is indirectly bullying you. Your holiday entitlement is a)your contractual entitlement b)arranged properly with your line manager and c)absolutely none of his business. I know its easy for me to say this from the sidelines, but you mustn't let him disturb your equilibrium. I think he is taking his frustration about workload or working time vs leave out on you. Don't let him, if he has a work-related issue he needs to resolve it with a manager, not snipe at a colleague. If he persists, on this or any other topic I suggest you tell him, all of the above, politely but firmly, and if things get more out of hand, do tell your line manager that you find his comments undermining. The hardest bit is trying to stop his comments seeping into your private life, I know how many of us take things to heart which we needn't, but in this case, you really have absolutely nothing to reproach yourself about.

 

Enjoy your holiday, its your time, have a great break

[majorbloodnock]

I was just composing a reply in my head as I read through this thread, then found Daphne just got there first with a couple of points.

 

Let's clarify a little:

 

• Holiday forms part of your contractual arrangement, and is a legal right. When you take it is up to you, subject to the company's agreement. The company can, of course, reject a holiday request, but even then they have to ensure you are given reasonable opportunity to take your holiday. In practice, that means they have to say yes unless there's a compelling reason otherwise, but they cannot make you go without.
  
• Part time jobs attract a pro rata amount of holiday; you may well only work part of the week, but your time off is reduced in line, so should not be reasonable to complain about.
  
• In any team, it's the manager's responsibility to ensure adequate cover. If your manager has approved your holiday, he or she has decided the remaining cover is acceptable, so anyone disagreeing needs to take it up with your manager.
  
• Comments at work that make someone feel embarrassed, intimidated or humiliated, whether the intention or not, are a form of harrassment that may well fall foul of current UK laws.
  
• Irrespective of law, many companies have (and should have) a harrassment and bullying policy. If one exists, it should be readily available to all employees.

 

Your colleague, as has been pointed out, is out of order. However, because of the points I listed above, they are also on very dodgy ground, and certainly if they worked where I do, they'd be preparing for a trip into HR for a disciplinary chat of some sort.

[kinsk]

He obviously feels hard done to in comparison and whether that is justified or not it's his opinion. I'm not sure it amounts to bullying!!!

 

If you are entitled to it then take it and enjoy it.

 

As someone who has only had bank holidays and 4 additional days off in the last two years I would love love two weeks off! I don't have that option but crack on those who do!

[Egluntyne]

I agree have a lovely break he's just being jealous and mean Eglutyne summed it up perfectly

I'm hoping that there is a full stop missing from this sentence!

[soapdragon]

What a silly man......ignore (him) and enjoy (your holiday)

 

If he mentions it again refer him to his/your line manager who will, I am sure, put the numpty right.

 

Honestly, some people!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps he should chill out and get some chickens........

[Lavenders_Blue]

Your colleague is totally out of order! What business is it of his what your holiday entitlement is and when you take it? I also work part time and sometimes feel like I have loads of holiday, but to take a whole week off work, I don't need to use a full week of leave, as of course part time leave is worked out pro rata. I think sometimes full time colleagues forget this. My advice is - enjoy your two weeks off, you deserve it!!

[keyhole kate]

I agree have a lovely break he's just being jealous and mean Eglutyne summed it up perfectly

I'm hoping that there is a full stop missing from this sentence!

 

Yes sorry

[Claireabella]

Thanks everyone. You're right, it's been approved by my manager so it's really none of his business! I would never take anything I wasn't entitled to. I couldn't even throw a sickie if I wanted to, I'd feel too guilty!

 

I think he forgets that I only work part time, get paid accordingly and my holiday is calculated pro rata. He is ok to work with most of the time but on occasions, goes too far and crosses the line with the things he says. He once made a joke about my daughters name, which I took great offence to. On this occasion, he realised I was not happy about what he had said. It must have been the look on my face that gave it away

 

We do need extra staff which puts extra pressure on us all but that is not my fault and I feel his comments were unjustified and made me feel very uncomfortable. I do my workload and more sometimes on my days off too which I don't get paid for. I don't want to cause any awkwardness at work but I will certainly be referring him to our line manager in future if he feels he would like to query my (or his) holiday entitlement.

[The Dogmother]

Good for you. I would also make it clear when he has crossed the line; just a quiet "that's not really appropriate, is it?" would suffice.

[Guest]

or maybe "you want some ketchup to go with that chip on your shoulder"