Hello everyone!
I'm posting this now before I get the ball rolling tomorrow with my immediate plan to leave my current place of employment.
I also post this in case any of you wonderful folk know of any lawful reason why I shouldn't go down this path.
I've worked at a manufacturing company for almost a year, and throughout I have noted many instances of managerial incompetency. Such as lack of communication, planning and just a general 'shout at this person to get something done' methodology. All of which have a serious impact on my role within the company, a shared role of purchasing items to help with production and maintenance around the place.
My reasons for leaving are largely the above, but with one extra red flag: Failing to offer paternity and suggesting the use of holiday entitlement.
As a first time father (very soon), I have since learned that not only must I notify the company of my intention to take paternity leave from work, (which I did, in plenty of time on two separate occasions) I must also download and fill out a form, sign and send it to their HR department. All has to happen 13 weeks prior to the due date.
Admittedly I feel this is my mistake, I should have researched the proper process to protect myself.
As I had asked the question to the staff managers and the HR department well before this date, I wonder if they skirted around this issue to ensure I was too late to find out about the form – and therefore too late to claim paternity (two weeks on statutory pay)
Now I can still take the days off, but I've been told I should use my holiday entitlement.
What they don't know is, it is my intention to leave during this period. I'll be putting my one-week notice in tomorrow and I shan't return during this time. As it is classed as paternity, they can't recall me in during this time surely?
And I must ask; can I restrict the methods of communication to that of written only? I'd prefer to get correspondence on paper/email in case their conduct (remains) becomes unprofessional.
It feels great to be able to share this with you all.
Not only should my child be born soon, but I also start my new job just as my paternity period ends. It's less pay, but the hours are better.
Thanks for reading!
Note 1: I've omitted many specifics to reduce risk
tl;dr – Company tried to make me work 2 extra weeks in the year, now I'll be unavailable to work for them for the foreseeable.