I'm currently the System Administrator for a small manufacturer based in the UK.
I've a fairly well defined role, which I am currently happy with.
Recently I was asked to assist in the role of a staff member who had been signed off sick. This required me to take a small amount of external training. This was to enable to me to perform PAT testing. (PAT testing basically checks that an electrical item is safe to use).
Initially, I was only given the absent staff member's responsibility for the IT and general office equipment. The 'Factory' equipment would not be my concern.
None of the above was agreed in writing at the time... which I'm now feeling is a mistake.
Today, a colleague approached me and advised me that I have to have a plan in place to perform PAT testing over the coming year. I've informed them that it is not my responsibility to be planning for PAT testing, as that had not been discussed originally. I was then informed that the operations director (my direct line manager) had been involved in the meeting where this plan is needed. It was also implied that I am responsible for the entire site, not just IT and Office Equipment.
The absent staff member has now been off work for six months and it is not yet known if he will eventually return.
I'm now left feeling that my role is being expanded without my knowledge or consent. I feel that a permanent expansion of my role should be preceded with discussion, and potentially an increase in my remuneration.
I'm wondering what my next course of action is. I have so far considered (in no particular order of preference) :-
- Handing in my notice and finding something else. Do I want to work with a company that would operate in this way? Could I be better off elsewhere?
- Ignore it, its not worth the trouble fighting it, just take the responsibility and move on.
- Raise it as an issue with HR and the Operations Director. This is my preferred option
If I'm to raise this as a concern, how should I proceed?
My gut tells me that I should craft an email which details my current role, requests full clarification of the PAT Testing role, and calls to open up the discussion further.
In the further discussion, I plan to highlight that I've not had a pay raise since I started with the company. (I know this is true of all staff in this financial year, but i'm unaware of the previous year.). If I'm expanding my role, would it also be reasonable to highlight this fact, as in 'real terms' my pay has dropped when inflation is considered.
Just some notes, for clarification
I'm totally responsible for the IT here, but not at a manager level. I'm not permitted to make decisions without line manager approval
I've worked here for 1 year 10 months. Since the first year spanned a financial year, I understand why it would not be normal for me to get a pay raise that year.
I'm the only person in my role, and hold a fair portion of specific information that would make the role very difficult for a new hire in my place, and for the company to operate properly should there be an issue. I was trained on these by the previous position holder (he was headhunted out).
On me asking for a copy of my job description, our HR person also pointed out this line in my terms and conditions. "Please see attached your signed T&C’s. As you can see under the “Job Title” section, it refers to “from time to time you may be required to undertake duties within your capacity, by your manager”."
I've made the point that ongoing responsibilities that don't have a determined end date don't fall into a definition of 'from time to time'.
It is just being assumed that I will deal with it, as I've done some of the work in the past. The problem is caused by the person who is actually responsible for the planning and management of PAT testing is not in the office on a very extended illness, it's unknown if/when he will return. As a result, every colleague is having to pitch in and cover. I've no issue with the work being assigned, as it's not overly taxing, however, I do take exception for being made to be responsible for something that is not mine.