Scared....

I currently have a really ****ty job, which I have been trying SO long to get out of, but because of the recession - its been difficult. I had to earn money and so I took this job. I am paid in cash and so havent paid taxes for the last 6 months (belive me - I cant take the guilt anymore) But there is a very good chance that I will be offered a job next week, if so, I am going to say that I can start on Monday, 13th July. I will get paid on 10th July. I get paid at the end of day.....okay so keep all this info at the back of your mind for a moment.

My boss is a seriously mad! He is from Albainia so his English is a bit limited, but a few weeks ago he put me down to part time as we werent very busy. But the way he did it - he walked in to my office, told me that I would get nowhere in life, had no ambition and did I know that he came to this country on the back of a truck because he had ambition to live a better life! This really knocked me, because Im not English and I chose to enter this country through legal means and I always saw myself as an ambitous person. I know u are thinking - great another immo taking the piss....not paying taxes. Im sorry, I feel so guilty about that. I paid taxes until 6 months ago and I have never claimed benefits. Im not getting paid very much as it is either! Anyway, there are other examples of his crazy behaviour - but much more violent - he keeps a knife in his draw(a serious hunting knife). And previously if we have had problems with clients paying us on time he threatens them with police action or says its now become a personal matter and him and his boys will deal with it! I could go on and on about the fights he has with people - but I think u get the general idea.

Okay so, if I am successful (and pls dont say, get the job first and then think about this - I simply cant) how do I resign? I would have to do it on the friday afternoon - I dont want to do it before because he might not pay me. There is obviously no contract and when he made me part time for a short period - he didnt give me any notice. But Im scared to do it face to face, reason 1 - he might take my money off me. 2 - much worse - do something violent. 3 - Verbally abuse me.

I know Im a chicken, but after the last 6 months, this man has really killed my confindence. I just want to walk out on Friday 10th and just never come back. Ignore his calls etc... but he does know where I live.

Please give me some advice.
PS: Im very sorry that I havent paid tax for 6 months, i never ever want to be in this position again!

Very sorry for your situation. In addition to the issue of how to best resign, I am concerned that you are in a hostile work environment with much intimidation. There are workplace laws in place to protect you from such treatment. Given what you have realted here, I think that you really need to confer with a labor and employment attorney. I know that WLD has affiliated counsel all over the globe, so I would suggest you visit their main page and contact them for some referral information. Hope things look brighter for you very soon. AJJ

I would say just resign (you are allowed to do so), ask for the pay--and if he does not pay, sue him in small claims.

Thanks guys. Can I still sue him even if there is no contract in place and Im not paying taxes? Thank you again for all your help and advice!

[sunlover]

Yes you can sue him. Bring all evidence of your unpaid hours to court to support your case. In an "at will" enviroment one may resign with or without warning or notice. Your being paid cash makes it difficult to prove your case.

[lawman18]

I would also be prepared to pay the taxes when the time comes. Tell him you quit (after he pays you of course) and then just walk out. If you really feel for your safety, contact the local authorities and tell them your story (re the knife and all) see if some jail time will mellow him out. You can't make threats about "your boys" with your employees aware of a giant knife you keep in a drawer, I don't care what state you live in and where he comes from.