My Employer has asked me to do something Im not happy doing how do i stand on this?

Cari

If the medication that you are taking says do not drive, then you must NOT drive. If you did, it would be breaking the law because your insurance would be void, and I'm assuming you're in the UK where you are required by law to have insurance.

You should, as far as I know, be able to switch to a medication which does not cause drowsiness - there are plenty of anti-allergy medications which do not. Speak to your GP or pharmacist.

However if you cannot switch medications, then clearly you can't drive because of invalidating the insurance and you need to tell her this. It sounds like you've tried already so try one more time, and then if you still can't reason with her just refuse point blank. Do you want to kill yourself, or someone else, by causing an accident? Do you want to serve a prison sentence or pay a fine? No, of course you don't, and nor would anyone simply because they've done something their employer has asked them to do.

Eaglesong3

You could also try an allergy medication that does not cause drowsiness. There are a number of powerful antihistamines out there that don't cause that side effect. See an allergist to examine other options.

Carly

You're right, love, it would be highly dangerous and probably illegal.

â€¢ Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 does not differentiate between illicit or prescribed drugs. Therefore, any person who is driving or attempting to drive on the public highway, or other public place whilst unfit due to any drug, is liable to prosecution.
â€¢ All drugs acting on the central nervous system can impair alertness, concentration and driving performance. This is particularly so at initiation of treatment, or soon after and when dosage is being increased. Driving must cease if adversely affected.

If in doubt take her to the local police station and let them tell her how illegal it is, not forgetting insurance issues.

Jennifer C

Do you normally do her driving?

Tell her you cant due to the medication your on, elaboate on your story if you must, but if your not upto then refuse.

Champagne 3 suspended again !

I also take allergy tablets and i ensure i don't drive as they knock me out instantly.Also, are you insured to drive her car? In my opinion you will be taking a major risk if you agree to do this for her.

Garacaius

I would decline to drive her. Do be aware that she may fire you. Be prepared to look for another job. I would not engage in an activity that might kill me for my employer.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

Equalizer

what's more important, this woman or your life?
think to yourself "no abuse"

Shane

In agreement with poster Garacaiu. If you refuse (which you should) you may get fired. I feel bad for you. Your boss is an idiot. She is not only putting her life at risk but yours! As another person wrote show her the package where it is clearly written you should not drive while taking this medication. You have every right to feel uncomfortable and concerned. She obviously has a death sentence for herself. If she wants to kill herself let her kill herself, but not take you along for the ride.

ANF

No they are not considered to be drugs in the class A type but in the event of an accident, even if you are covered on her car insurance, your drowsiness and the tablets you are taking will be noted and the insurance will become invalidated, except for a third party. The tablet you are taking will show up in any subsequent blood test should you be injured and the police will be informed. Suggest that she has a taxi and you continue to do the work for which you are employed to do. As you have worked for her for 5 years you will be covered under any tribunal scheme should she sack you for what is essentially breaking the law.

Nimbus

Show her the packet of tablets, ask her opinion on the no drive warnings. Tell her you are concerned.

I am allergic to cats too and I would be sneezing and itchy simply being in a car where a cat has been.

Have ready an alternative travel plan, for example train times or even another driver, or could you go in a different car?

+Night+Nurse+

Check your employee contract. If driving her around is not in the contract - refuse.

Well this is a Health and Safety issue. There has been a lot in the press during the last few months about employers being responsible for their staff's driving behaviour, if they are driving on company business, and in the event of an accident the employer could face charges of gross negligence or, in the worst case scenario, corporate manslaughter.

Whilst I know that this is mainly aimed at big companies with lots of employees, I would highlight this to your employer as she still has responsibility. I would make sure that I put this in writing.

Jimmy Carr

If your her primary carer then driving duties may be part of the job but point blank refuse to drive the car. If you work in an office and your job is static then you can refuse to drive anywhere as once your of the premises the company liability insurance doesn't cover you. I've used that one myself a few times, whether its true or legal i don't know but it worked.

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