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Telling work

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BelleBee

Member since
April 2020

149 posts

Posted Sat July 4, 2020 10:02pmReport post

I'm in a dilemma. My husband was charged yesterday and as yet I haven't told work. I work for a small organisation and whilst my manager is nice, she is a terrible gossip with questionable boundaries and I'm not sure she can be discreet. I know I'd appreciate some support and understanding though. I'm worried that if it gets reported in the media and I haven't told them it doesn't look good.
I'd really appreciate your thoughts....

majestictopaz15

Member since
December 2019

371 posts

Posted Sun July 5, 2020 9:41amReport post

I never told work the whole story tbh. I told my line manager I needed to go to court to attend a sentencing of someone close to me with potential prison sentence on the the cards. I just gave her the heads up that if they were sent to prison I would need a few days off to process it.

I haven't been with my company long so I don't feel comfortable sharing info about the conviction. But there is a counselling service available for me of I want it.

About your boss, surely legally she would have to keep it to herself unless the charges will be deemed a threat to the area of work you do? It is up to you of you reach out at work but for me it has been a good escape to go into work knowing that no one will ask about the conviction. But i do understand your concern about what if goes to the press. That is why I recommend give them a vague heads-up about the court hearing and it's potential impact on you, as a minimum disclosure.

BelleBee

Member since
April 2020

149 posts

Posted Sun July 5, 2020 11:44amReport post

Thanks so much for taking time to reply. You've really given me something to think about. I won't be going to court so wouldn't need time off as such for that - I guess it would just be helpful for them to know in terms of childcare etc and husband no longer being able to share the load! But I definitely don't trust that she'd keep it to herself so I'm a little torn!

Jayne G

Member since
March 2019

125 posts

Posted Sun July 5, 2020 9:44pmReport post

Hi,

I don't often post on here any more, but felt compelled to reply to your post.
Think twice before you disclose this at work. I don't know your circumstances or anything about your line of work, but remember that once you've told someone you can't make them unhear it.
I told my boss, so that I could get some flexibility with childcare. Whilst he seemed supportive at first, I actually ended up having to leave because he made work unbearable and didn't feel I was coping in the right way; he believed I should have told my mum what was going on and, when I didn't, he threatened to do it himself. I left and, if I'd had the energy, I would have lodged a unfair dismissal suit, but I couldn't face that on top of everything else. When I got my current job I decided I wouldn't tell them unless I absolutely had to. The investigation is now over and I didn't disclose anything. Instead, if I need flexibility I just say I have things going on at home/partner is working, so can I work flexibly to sort out the school run.
Sorry, I don't mean to scare you but I wish someone had told me it's ok not to tell work.
Good luck, whatever you decide xx

BelleBee

Member since
April 2020

149 posts

Posted Sun July 5, 2020 11:37pmReport post

Whoa that's terrible. Poor you. What an awful thing to happen.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. You've definitely given me something to think about. Xx