This really bothers me

[JTSW]

Hi all, I have worked for the same company now for over 18 years. I don't know why I've stayed so long because I get nothing out of it and they don't give a crap about me. Since Covid, my office/accounts manager has remained working from home, so I collect all invoices, bank statements etc for her so she can pick them all up when she's ready. A little back story, the building I work in was built and paid for by my former director who is a multimillionaire. Two senior employees have taken over as the company directors and the former one has nothing to do with this company, apart from owning the building.

Now before Covid, I handled the bank statements as usual but started noticing that the daughter of the former director was getting a payment that is more than my monthly salary. I did ask my manager about it (because she is a really close friend of mine too so I can talk to her about anything). She told me that since the other two employees became the directors, the former director told them they could only have the positions if his daughter gets over £1000 a month from the company. There is no reason for this. She doesn't work for or ever had anything to do with the company. She has never set foot in the place. No-one has ever met her. Why she is getting more money than me out of the company when she does nothing is infuriating for me. 

I work my ass off in this company yet the daughter of a multimillionaire gets more than me and has nothing to do with the company.

Is this legal? Is there anything I can do?

[giotto]

You can contact HMRC, but in the first place I would try and find out if what they are doing is legal. They've probably made it look like she works for the company. Also, be prepared to lose your job if they find out you shopped them. Unfair, but likely.

By the way, you are earning less than £1,000/month after being with this company for over 18 years?

[JTSW]

1 minute ago, giotto said:

By the way, you are earning less than £1,000/month after being with this company for over 18 years?

Yep, that's really bad isn't it.

I know I actually get nothing out of working here. 

I am currently looking to get out.

[giotto]

3 minutes ago, JTSW said:

Yep, that's really bad isn't it.

I know I actually get nothing out of working here. 

I am currently looking to get out.

Surely, you can do better? To be honest, I would not get too upset about the daughter and I would focus on getting a better job, in a less exploitative company. Good luck!

[JTSW]

2 minutes ago, giotto said:

Surely, you can do better? To be honest, I would not get too upset about the daughter and I would focus on getting a better job, in a less exploitative company. Good luck!

Thank you.

I know I can do better.

My husband is the reason I have stayed in this job so long.

It's literally 2 mins from my house with job security.

I'm so done with it though.

[Alpacalia]

Not sure about legal recourse but the payment to the daughter of the former director does not seem illegal, since it is not coming out of government funds, so there really is no legal recourse. Of course, it may be morally wrong or an unfair situation, but there is nothing you can do to stop it.

I used to work for an advertising company. The owner was friends with our former President back before he was a "big thing." My boss's daughter came and worked for the company and she hardly worked and was paid out of the wazoo. A lot of us had to pick the slack up for her. 

Have you thought about negotiating for a higher salary. Sounds like you're an asset to the company and the fact that they've kept you around for 18 years is testament to that - so why not try negotiating with your manager for a higher salary to help make up for the money the daughter of the former director is getting?

Edited August 11, 2023 by Alpacalia

[JTSW]

5 minutes ago, Alpacalia said:

Have you thought about negotiating for a higher salary.

Hi Alpacalia, I have actually approached them on this before.

Told them it was getting harder to maintain living expenses, i.e. bills etc and that I may have to move on and seek other employment.

The actually told me that they didn't want to lose such a valued worker and that they would re-evaluate my salary.

Guess what? They never did.

[JTSW]

I just really bothers me because I work my ass off and she is getting free money every month.

She is rich beyond words so I don't know why she is getting this every month.

[Alpacalia]

11 minutes ago, JTSW said:

Hi Alpacalia, I have actually approached them on this before.

Told them it was getting harder to maintain living expenses, i.e. bills etc and that I may have to move on and seek other employment.

The actually told me that they didn't want to lose such a valued worker and that they would re-evaluate my salary.

Guess what? They never did.

Ugh. That stinks!

Yes, I guess it makes sense to find another place to work.

This situation surely increases the stress level each and every day. You have many years of invested experience in that company and potentially could cost the company more with a new hire to replace you. And when you look for a new job the fact that you've been at the same company for eighteen years could be looked at as stability.

A potential employer surely will be impressed that despite the longer tenure, you were able to maintain a successful career with the same organization. At the same you'll need to consider how to frame the salary with the next job because if they see that you were working at the same company for eighteen years for a low salary that remained unchanged, they may question why.

Take this current situation and make it a positive.

Use it as an experience that has taught you the importance of voicing your concerns, and using other strategies such as looking for another job/company that values your contributions and has a salary that will recognize that. There are companies out there that prioritize employee engagement and will compensate accordingly.

I hope it works out for you and that you find a job that compensates you what you deserve. Good luck!

Edited August 11, 2023 by Alpacalia

[JTSW]

Thank you so much.

I am definitely looking to move on from here.

My husband always tries to convince me to stick with it, but I'm so unhappy here now.

Thank you so much for advice and kind words.

 

[Wiseman2]

1 minute ago, JTSW said:

My husband always tries to convince me to stick with it, but I'm so unhappy here now.

Sorry this is happening. This seems to be more of the problem rather than trying to figure out why a relative is on the payroll. Perhaps negotiate your salary again while you search for positions you may be happier with?

[JTSW]

Just now, Wiseman2 said:

Sorry this is happening. This seems to be more of the problem rather than trying to figure out why a relative is on the payroll. Perhaps negotiate your salary again while you search for positions you may be happier with?

Hi Wiseman, I'm honestly not sure there would be any point in trying to negotiate it again.

I don't really plan on staying here that much longer.

[Alpacalia]

28 minutes ago, JTSW said:

I just really bothers me because I work my ass off and she is getting free money every month.

She is rich beyond words so I don't know why she is getting this every month.

Yes, this would bother me too. I have stories but won't mention here. It sucks that someone who can afford it will frequently receive something for free when there are so many people who could use the same support that don't get it. It's definitely a frustrating situation, but unfortunately, it's the reality and worse still, it's not likely to change anytime soon.

[JTSW]

6 minutes ago, Alpacalia said:

It sucks that someone who can afford it will frequently receive something for free when there are so many people who could use the same support that don't get it.

It infuriates me because I struggle financially and I'm a carer for my mum which really takes it's toll.

I go through allot of fuel travelling to take care of her a few times a week after work.

I've never met this girl and in the 18 years I've been here, I've never met her and she has never set foot in the company.

She's a rich girl that doesn't have to work and gets free money while the rest of us struggle.

I'm so tempted to question my current director on it but like you said, I know nothing will change.

Edited August 11, 2023 by JTSW

[Alpacalia]

6 minutes ago, JTSW said:

It infuriates me because I struggle financially and I'm a carer for my mum which really takes it's toll.

I go through allot of fuel travelling to take care of her a few times a week after work.

I've never met this girl and in the 18 years I've been here, I've never met her and she has never set foot in the company.

She's a rich girl that doesn't have to work and gets free money while the rest of us struggle.

I'm so tempted to question my current director on it but like you said, I know nothing will change.

Yes, do you think that's why maybe you stayed for so long, because you were probably exhausted caring for your mum and didn't have the energy to look for another job? It's incredibly unfair and I do understand how it infuriates you.

As for the daughter, well, if nothing's going to change then try and put it out of your mind instead of letting it frustrate you and drain your energy. I get being annoyed, however try and remember that everyone is trying to get by and make life as comfortable as possible and this girl is entitled to her inheritance. That being said, you work hard and contribute to the company and should not be taken for granted.

[JTSW]

5 minutes ago, Alpacalia said:

Yes, do you think that's why maybe you stayed for so long, because you were probably exhausted caring for your mum and didn't have the energy to look for another job?

Yeah, I think this is exactly it.

I am always exhausted after I leave the office every day.

[Ageless Wisdom23]

It appears the daughter of the former director has some high profile pull.  The "Little Guy" always loses out.  Especially the ones who work their butts off the most and are the least appreciated.  Society has grown worse.  How sad.🤥

Edited August 11, 2023 by Ageless Wisdom23

[JTSW]

3 minutes ago, Ageless Wisdom23 said:

It appears the daughter of the former director has some high profile pull.  The "Little Guy" always loses out.  Especially the ones who work their butts off the most and are the least appreciated.  Society has grown worse.  How sad.🤥

You are spot on Wisdom.

I hate what this world has become.

[glows]

Yes please definitely find something more on your level. I wouldn’t go down the road exposing them - would take too much energy. I did the same after a few years at one place and everyone looked so shocked when I left. It was like working in a twilight zone. Can you upgrade your skills in the meantime if needed? You have a spouse to buffer and remain a source of income. 

You want to leave and that’s half the battle won. Keep applying and see what’s out there.

[Versacehottie]

4 hours ago, JTSW said:

Yep, that's really bad isn't it.

I know I actually get nothing out of working here. 

I am currently looking to get out.

I agree it doesn't sound great at all. Here's the thing, we all have a finite amount of energy. When a person feels used, abused and disrespected, obviously anger will rise. BUT it does tend to suck a person's energy and attention. I think the best thing to do is to tell yourself this was the final straw and that the information is the catalyst for you to get serious and urgent about your job search. Then leave the anger in the past and focus all your good energy on getting a new job. Seriously that is the best way, I promise. 

Here's the thing if you are getting less than 1000 pounds from them, even if you talked them into a 30% raise, it still doesn't sound very fair, right? I'm in the US but if I think my math is right it doesn't sound like there is much upside in staying with them. Plus you will still be resentful. Some companies, especially small ones, can almost function like a family, in that everyone has a "role" and it is hard to break out of the role once it's set. It's seen as a role violation by the others when you want to change--ie ask for what you are worth, start enforcing boundaries, pushing back on what is other's work vs your own, picking up the slack. IMO, it always goes downhill from there because then both sides will have resentment-like yours will never have gone away and they will now be like JTSW is acting "different". 

Good luck! I would pour all your energy and get excited about new things coming your way. It's always good to shake up your life a bit  

[JTSW]

2 hours ago, glows said:

I wouldn’t go down the road exposing them - would take too much energy.

I know I would be wasting my time if did say something because nothing would be done about it.

[JTSW]

22 minutes ago, Versacehottie said:

I agree it doesn't sound great at all. Here's the thing, we all have a finite amount of energy. When a person feels used, abused and disrespected, obviously anger will rise. BUT it does tend to suck a person's energy and attention. I think the best thing to do is to tell yourself this was the final straw and that the information is the catalyst for you to get serious and urgent about your job search. Then leave the anger in the past and focus all your good energy on getting a new job. Seriously that is the best way, I promise. 

Here's the thing if you are getting less than 1000 pounds from them, even if you talked them into a 30% raise, it still doesn't sound very fair, right? I'm in the US but if I think my math is right it doesn't sound like there is much upside in staying with them. Plus you will still be resentful. Some companies, especially small ones, can almost function like a family, in that everyone has a "role" and it is hard to break out of the role once it's set. It's seen as a role violation by the others when you want to change--ie ask for what you are worth, start enforcing boundaries, pushing back on what is other's work vs your own, picking up the slack. IMO, it always goes downhill from there because then both sides will have resentment-like yours will never have gone away and they will now be like JTSW is acting "different". 

Good luck! I would pour all your energy and get excited about new things coming your way. It's always good to shake up your life a bit  

Thank you x

I'm not going to shake up anything in the office because I just wont be worth it, you are right.

They will never care about my opinion so there's no point.

I'm just going to find something else and get out of there.

[MsJayne]

I haven't read all answers so I apologise if someone else has already chipped in with this, and my answer is based on Australian taxation laws. If she's not a company director, and she's not an employee, how are these payments being issued? Does she submit an invoice to the company? Is tax being deducted? Is she a beneficiary of a trust company associated with the  main organisation? Did the two now-directors buy the company or just take over? I ask because my first guess would be that there was no money exchanged for the sale of the company and this $1k a month is your ex-boss' way of receiving payment for the company without having to pay any tax on it. So yes, it would be illegal, (in Aus anyway), however you would have a hard time proving it. Usually when these type of transactions take place there's a creative accountant behind it making sure all the dots join together as far as the tax office and industry regulation bodies go. I'm a former management accountant for a construction company and I've seen millions, (literally, millions), syphoned off through complex money trails, using trusts and shelf companies to hide what's gone on. My advice would be to find another job, and once you've found one, investigate whether you were being underpaid, because, unless you're only working a few part-time hours, it sounds like you're being royally ripped off. 

[MsJayne]

8 hours ago, MsJayne said:

this $1k a month is your ex-boss' way of receiving payment for the company without having to pay any tax on it.

I just want to clarify this. If this money is being paid into an account which is held by an entity which has no other, or other low, income, it would possibly be below the taxable income threshold, (again, Aus law, but I believe this is in-common legislation throughout Commonwealth countries - I may be wrong, check if you feel like being bored to death by long-winded legal waffle  ), and could be tossed into a 'pot' of companies to reduce across-the-board tax, and through this your ex-boss, over a long period, receives payment for what was actually a sale of a company disguised as a 'gift' and pays not a cent of capital gains tax on the sale.. 

20 hours ago, JTSW said:

She has never set foot in the place. No-one has ever met her

And also, on reflection, this grabbed me. Does she actually exist? Or is she a pseudo identity for a company that receives questionable payments? 

[JTSW]

14 hours ago, MsJayne said:

how are these payments being issued? Does she submit an invoice to the company? Is tax being deducted? Is she a beneficiary of a trust company associated with the  main organisation?

No, she has nothing to do with the company. Never seen any invoices. 

It's just a payment that goes out to her from the business account every month.

4 hours ago, MsJayne said:

Does she actually exist? Or is she a pseudo identity for a company that receives questionable payments? 

Yes she does exist 100%.

The former director has 2 daughters and she's the youngest that is a bit of a wild child by all accounts.