MY MANAGER HAS BEEN BULLYING ME

QFor over 12 years I’ve worked as a carer for an adult with multiple learning difficulties. My client’s parents are amazing and treat me like family. However, I had a horrible experience with a new manager. Recently my husband had to be rushed to hospital and I had to take time off with no notice. My client’s family were so supportive and urged me to go and be with him. (He is recovering well.)

However, I got a barrage of bullying texts from the new manager telling me I hadn’t followed the company protocol and should be disciplined. I complained to higher management but they were no help. I was so upset that I felt like giving up my job – but I could never let my client down. Fortunately, this new manager is now leaving (though I understand it’s a promotion). But it has left me feeling very upset.

AI am sorry that your manager treated you in this way when you were vulnerable and worried about your husband. I cannot stress this strongly enough: you do amazing work. Being a carer is an unselfish job and it takes a special person to choose a career looking after others. It is awful that your boss subjected you to such a tirade and that you weren’t listened to by a senior manager. So contact a union for advice. I am not suggesting that you necessarily want to take any further action as I think that could be stressful. But just being listened to about the unfair way you have been treated (and advice on what to do if such a thing happens again) will help you feel supported. They should know about a manager who behaves in this way and yet is promoted. See citizensinformation.ie for advice on your rights.