Demotion

[Gillett33]

Please advise:
I am working four months into my probationary period which is 6 months. I was employed by the parent organisation to work for a client. I've met all my deliverables to date which is quite challenging as the deadlines are incredibly tight. It is recognised that as a Lead I should have analysts working with me to help ease the stress of this role. I don't have any analysts so rely on a Personal Assistant and a technical analyst for support. My stress levels have been significantly high and I have informed my line manager (head of the department) - this is due to the incredible workload. This past week both the PA and technical analyst were out of the office (unexpected death and unapproved training) and my stress levels soared and secondly I found myself working until 11pm in order to meet my deliverables which I accomplished. I did query with the head of the department why, if my position is so important am I the only one doing this role and why I find myself working such crazy hours? On Friday past, I am informed by the head of department that they have interviewed someone else for my role and I will be demoted to senior analyst. I have delivered all the deliverables and done the work of 3 people in the last week - yet they are making out that I am incompetent?
The sponsor for the past 18 months for this project has complained that the work that is being generated is not good. I've only been with the company for 4 months so I am not to blame for the previous 14 months poor performance and am doing everything in my power to improve the deliverables so am very upset with the mention of 'demotion'
What is the correct procedure that the company must take to demote me? How soon can they reduce my salary? How can I buy time with this process so I can find a new position (outside the company)?

 

[Kernowman]

You are asking us to sail into some very dangerous waters here and the reason is we only have your perspective on the situation. I say that with the greatest respect of course.

So, taking that entirely dispassionate view now, I think your employers are only seeing the stress you are demonstrating without paying any attention to what is causing that stress. In their eyes you are "failing" because of your inadequacies and the only time they are going to see otherwise is when then is a series of burnt out people lying in a heap behind them. When they have that perception about you now, whatever defence you put up isn't going to be viewed sympathetically I'm afraid. I also suspect their own backsides are cooking in the cauldron right now and they need someone to be the fall guy to blame.

Your only defence really is to compile all the deadlines you were set and align them with how you achieved them on time, leaving out the long hours and stress you acquired on the way. Point out too just how unreasonable it is for anyone to condemn you for having to carry on without the support THEY said you would have. I think your argument will fall on deaf ears to be honest.

My gut instinct though is they are already decided on what you fate will be and your best bet is to find another job elsewhere, because these people care not one jot about you.

As for can they demote you, yes they can because you are still in your probationary period.

 

[yorkshirejames]

Sounds like potential disability discrimination to me - http://www.reportabademployer.co.uk