Question

Mildred has been employed for many years as the ‘personal secretary’ to Mr. Smith. Her terms and conditions state that she may be required to undertake any tasks ‘that are within her capabilities and appropriate to her post’. Owing to an increased workload in the department, Mildred has been asked to take on some further secretarial duties for two other senior employees and to cover the switchboard every other lunchtime.

Mildred has refused to take on the extra duties, arguing that they are outside the scope of her contract. During one heated debate about the matter with Mr. Smith, he banged his fist on her desk and shouted abusively at her in full view of other staff. Mildred wants to keep her job and is thinking of lodging a formal grievance.

Discuss the legal issues that arise in this situation.

Answer 1

In the above case there is several legal issues arises . First one is that it is written in the agreement that Mildred is the personal secretary of mr smith and she is only boud to do all the task that come under her boss and she should do only that task that are appropriate to her post and capibilities and also assign by the Mr Smith only. this is the first issue Mildred is not liable to work with other senior employee , as she is the only secretory of Mr Smith.

second one is that Mr Smith behaviour is not ethical toward Mildred as he is not allowed to shout on Mildred in front of other employees. it come under the case of harrasment and it is totally illegal.