As some of you know I work as a care assistant on a nursing ward for a local care home and I'm getting to the stage of being fed up with the way the company is treating me.
I've been waiting 4 months for money that they owe me and now have found out that some hours have been deducted without any reason given to me.
I feel like they care little for me and the hard work I do and I'm at the stage of calling it the day. The only reason for not is I have become very good friends with those I help and would feel sad to leave.
Unknown to them I have contacted ACAS who say its a breach of contract but do I push it.
When I started there I really enjoyed it but now I feel low and have lost interest in the company who seem to have a problem keeping staff.
What do I do?

My husband was in a similar position, and being an honourable man kept going in to work even though they weren't paying him properly. Every few months they'd pay a month's salary, then make excuses why they couldn't pay the back pay. Even though ACAS and the Union agreed that this withholding of wages was illegal nothing ever came of the legal protests we made. The company folded and we had to kiss goodbye any hope of getting the £10,000 due to him.

So I'd say get out. You have to look after your own interests because nobidy else will - not even the law.

Thanks for the reply.
Sorry to read about your hubby and his problems.
I guess its time to look else where. Damn shame but what can I do. Very sad :(

i'd say still chase them for your money as you look though, thats ridiculous, you've earned it you should have it

I spoke to my mum and mums are the best in the world when you need advice. She thinks I should take my time and look around. I have my NVQ2 which is a plus so it should not be too hard to find another job.
I want to stay in the same type of work as I enjoy it so fingers crossed something will come along.

Good luck and I am sure you will find another job whch you will be valued, paid with out any issues and one you will enjoy if not even more than this one ;) :)

Just a little update as I went in today and I nearly blew my top but held off.
I spoke to one of my colleagues who said I should not go and that I should consider becoming a team leader. She said I would be sadly missed by all.
The senior nurse also spoke to me and said not only would the staff miss me she would too as I'm a good carer who does go the extra mile for residents. She talked about how valued I was and how the affect of leaving can have on the residents and it did make me think.
My brain tells me to leave yet my heart tells me to continue to bring a ray of sunshine to those who need me.
I can't bring myself to leave after thinking about it. I guess I have a soft heart but in a way I do make a difference and not being there will affect the residents.
Life is just not easy at times.

minipeace if your happy with your decision go for it. i still think you should chase them for the money though, it's yours by right. btw, if you do decide in the end to go remember you'll be helping other people wherever you go next to.

Thanks again for your reply.
Got my December wage slip and once again I am short in enhancements at around £50 this time so thats it. I have sat and thought about this and I have just written out my 4 week notice.
Very poor for a care home company that prides its self with high standards of care!!

They might say they value you, but their treatment of you suggetss otherwise. Ask for a copy of their grievance procedure and raise a formal grievance and tell them that you will take it to employment tribunal.

Minipeace, just a thought.....wouldn't it be better to look for another job before you leave.  It is always easier to get work if you are already working.

Just got back from work and my 4 week notice is in. They are silly as they know my history and so I've already checked with ACAS and its a breach of contract. Why oh why can't they just follow the rules like I have to. Its leading on the lines of abuse.
I stated in the letter the reason so I guess the manager will be having a word with me but I don't think I will talk to them at this point.
My mum has already pointed a company out who are looking for carers and my sister worked there which sounds much more in the line of being more respectful toward their employees.
Fresh start sounds good. Just glad I managed to get my NVQ2 which is something.

Well done Stuart and I am sure you will get another job soon :-)

I am sure you will get another job with no trouble at all, could you consider doing nurses training?
A decent carer is worth their weight in gold, it is a vocational job and simply cant be done adequately by just anyone!
So good luck to you and dont worry there are some decent employers out there.
Karen ;-)