Southern Rail OBS

[Emmsie]

I was hired as an OBS but after a few months I left as I was struggling with my mental health. At the time I was unaware but it turns out I was menopausal and it affected me badly. I would love to get my old job back when they rehire but having reapplied once and been rejected I have now found out that my ex manager has been giving me a poor reference despite me never calling in sick, always doing extra including staying on the train once on my break to ensure that an assisted passenger could get off at their stop and working a train that I was supposed to be passing on as there was no OBS onboard. Its clear that the negative reference is personal rather than to do with my capabilities at the job. How do I overcome this or do i just give up with Southern. I feel as though I have a lot to offer the company and I did enjoy working there.

 

[Barry K]

Have you considered writing to Southern explaining that your reason for leaving had been misdiagnosed? If you tell them the real reason, it might get them thinking along the lines of "This could turn in to a discrimination case", and offering you the job back. A lot of companies go into "Cover Yer Butt" mode when faced with gender-specific issue these days, and it could potentially work in your favour...... A polite, factual letter stating your enjoyment of the job, your disappointment at having to leave, and addressed to HR, not your line manager, might push things the right way.

 

[cbrstu]

Further to what Barry K has said may be some medical evidence to back your case as well. Were you in a union may be speak to them or your local CAB. Alot of people suffer from mental health these days. There is more acceptance of it and hopefully understanding of your situation.

 

[baz962]

Im no expert, and it may be different internally, but im sure its illegal to give a bad reference.

 

[Emmsie]

I have emailed my ex boss and explained what was going on at the time although this was after I applied and before I knew he had scuppered my application.
Not sure where the menopause stands but am getting treatment from the GP and have been tested to confirm. Unfortunately due to the issues surrounding the industrial relations the RMT refused to recognise the OBS role so none of us could join. I'm not sure what the situation re internal references is, although at the time I would have been an external candidate obviously the reference would have been internal but I know for sure that he did

 

[Emmsie]

I'm bumping this as I have now found out that not only did my manager give me a poor reference but he also discussed my (new)application with my ex colleagues in the mess room. Part of me wants to progress this further as his behaviour is way beyond what is professional but it would just make things awkward and even less likely that I would be able to work for Southern again, quite frankly I'm mortified as I'm not sure how much he discussed, whether he went into detail about my reasons for leaving or if it was a general, can't believe the cheeky cow can have the nerve to reapply.

 

[Stigy]

I'm bumping this as I have now found out that not only did my manager give me a poor reference but he also discussed my (new)application with my ex colleagues in the mess room. Part of me wants to progress this further as his behaviour is way beyond what is professional but it would just make things awkward and even less likely that I would be able to work for Southern again, quite frankly I'm mortified as I'm not sure how much he discussed, whether he went into detail about my reasons for leaving or if it was a general, can't believe the cheeky cow can have the nerve to reapply.

The thing is, how can you prove it? Are your ex-colleagues prepared to put their money where their mouth is? Or will they just continue to stir things and bail out when it gets serious?

 

[Emmsie]

The thing is, how can you prove it? Are your ex-colleagues prepared to put their money where their mouth is? Or will they just continue to stir things and bail out when it gets serious?

Precisely and this is why so many managers get away with things in all industries, he is however already under investigation for another unrelated matter and there is an ex member of staff that would cheerfully put the boot into him. I'm not sure I can be bothered, I'd actually prefer to speak to him face to face, and tell him myself what a snake he is and how unprofessional.

 

[winks]

Have you tried emailing HR directly rather than email the manager concerned. It would more appropriate to go through HR. At least that way you’ll get an official response

 

[Emmsie]

Have you tried emailing HR directly rather than email the manager concerned. It would more appropriate to go through HR. At least that way you’ll get an official response

If I do go through HR it will be more of a general 'you really need to educate yourselves and your managers on the menopause and the effects it has on women at work before you end up with a lawsuit' rather than a complaint about his behaviour. Much as it would feel good to shaft him the way he has shafted me and others its not really my style. I much prefer to speak directly with someone rather than stab them in the back

 

[theking]

How do you know it's the poor reference that is affecting your employment prospects?.

I think jacking in the job after a few months (whatever the reason) is probably the biggest.

As long as they're not discriminating against you because one of the protected statuses contained within the legislation they're well within their right to say no thanks.

If I was you I'd look elsewhere at one of the other tocs if possible.

 

[Emmsie]

How do you know it's the poor reference that is affecting your employment prospects?.

I think jacking in the job after a few months (whatever the reason) is probably the biggest.

As long as they're not discriminating against you because one of the protected statuses contained within the legislation they're well within their right to say no thanks.

If I was you I'd look elsewhere at one of the other tocs if possible.

I've been told be 2 employees, both of whom have direct knowledge that this is the case as this person hasn't been particularly circumspect about it. I would have no issue but for the fact that I was very explicitly told during my exit interview that and I quote 'I did the job better than 95% of the other muppets!!!' and that he would be happy to give me a reference for another part of the business as I was specifically struggling with the nights (that weren't on the roster when I was hired). In my world if you don't mean something then don't say it. And there is protection under the equality act which TOCs and Unions need to really get up to speed on. https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/medi...e-what-support-can-i-expect-from-my-employer/