job is making me feel ill

Hi, I need some advice because I don't know what to do about my job. My parents are on holiday for a week, and I am staying home by myself so I can work and save cash.
Basically, I work in a family entertainment centre, and I have been asked to dress up in a mascot suit to meet kids and get photos taken with them. It sounded fun at first, and I was looking forward to doing it, but after spending 10 mins in the suit I began to get very hot and struggled to breathe. Afterwards, I was sweating and had the worst headache I have ever experienced. The headache lasted for about an hour and I told my boss but she said I'd be ok if i don't spend too long in it.
I hate the idea of dressing up again, especially as other people have been in the suit before me. I am so freaked out by it, especially not being able to breathe properly and my boss said i'm not allowed to swap with anyone because only I and two others have been trained up for it. What can I do? Can I refuse to do it on the basis of my health? They are already breaking the law by making me work 11 hours some days when I'm only allowed to do 8 because I'm 17. Can I report them?

Reply 1

zain88

yeah they definitely can't force you to do something potentially damaging to your health so you can refuse to do it on the basis of your health. if they fire you because you don't do it it's unfair dismissal (dunno what the right term is) and you can report them/take them to court.

sorry i can't be much more help, don't know the legal stuff really.

Reply 2

zain88

ps this thread shouldn't be in H&R

Reply 3

SuperhansFavouriteAlsatian

zain88

if they fire you because you don't do it it's unfair dismissal (dunno what the right term is) and you can report them/take them to court.

I dunno about that, it depends what the OP's job is. I mean, we don't know the facts, but IF they employed him/her simply for the purpose of wearing the suit and play with kids - and then they refuse to wear the suit and play with kids - it's hardly unfair dismissal.

Reply 4

gbduo

drink more water, the reason you had the mother of all headaches was because you were seriously dehydrated. ask the company for some bottled water which you can drink...for free obviously.

Graham

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

I was employed as an arcade attendant, and the mascot thing is only new this year. I was only told I was doing it the day I was trained up for it.
btw, this thread is ok in H+R cos it is to do with my health.

Reply 6

generalebriety

Then it is unfair dismissal if they dismiss you principally for refusing to wear a costume thing that is making you ill. (As long as it wasn't in your job description, in which case you're in the wrong, but of course it's excusable if it's bad for your health.) Tell them to train someone else. If they make you wear it, report them. It's illegal.

Reply 7

mike_J

Just wait till you pass out, then sue em for all they're worth, bitches!

Reply 8

Juno

You can't sue for unfair dismissal until you've been there for a certain amount of time.

Reply 9

silverbolt

if you can prove that it is damagign to your health then they can not make you wear it. To do so would open them up to legal problems.
How long have you been there? If you have passed your standard week period (which is in the week-2weeks catagory) then theres not much you can do. However even if your on probation which cannot by law extend past six months you have the right to complain about it. If they sack you over it take them to a tribunal there have been no HR processes done so they cant do anything
If you have signed yur contract then you are a full time employee unless your contract states differently.

As to your working hours check your contract, it will say something along the lines
you are contracted to 37.5 hours a week however if your duties are not fulfilled within that time then you have to work over the 37.5. This will not entitle to overtime or extra pay for it.
That only applies if your salaried, if your paid by the hour then your contract will be different. The point is though if you have signed that then they can make you work 11 hours a day. So check your contract.

Your other option is to sign the working hours directive, if you sign this then they cannot make you work more than 37.5 hours a week. The downside is they can drop your hours to part time (16 hours) without the possibilty for overtime.

Your best bet would be to talk to HR. They can help you. You will find out where they are in your employees hand book which you should have been given when you joined.

Reply 10

littlemissalex

quit the job and get a better one!

Reply 11

FeedTheGoat

Employment rights don't kick in until you've been employed there for a year.
They can give you a months notice (if you are paid monthly) or a weeks notice (if you are paid weekly) and then fire you if they so choose.

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