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Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
My new manager is destroying my confidence with micro-management & bad communication
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q: For the past three years, I've worked in change communications. It was my perfect job and enabled me to thrive. Unfortunately, my employer got rid of my position and sent me back to a previous role in a different department, which I now find difficult. I'm currently on the waiting list for a neurodiversity assessment. I've told my new manager this, but they don't understand and work in a way that makes things a struggle and affects my focus. They also aren't very clear in their communication and they micro-manage me – even asking me about personal appointments in my calendar. I want to move forward – whether in this company or a different one – but my confidence is being knocked every day. Do you have any advice? Amber, via email A: It doesn't sound like your employer is supporting you or playing to your strengths. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Request a meeting with your manager to calmly explain how the current set-up is affecting your ability to do your best work. Be specific about what's difficult, such as micro-management, unclear instructions and being questioned on personal matters, and how this is affecting your focus and confidence. Then explain what you need instead – more clarity, trust and autonomy. It's also worth sharing how much you thrived in your previous role and why. At the same time, speak to occupational health or HR about your neurodiversity assessment, as you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments. while at work. Keep a written record of concerning interactions, and don't stop advocating for yourself. Whether it's within this company or somewhere new, you deserve to be in a role and environment that supports your needs and allows you to grow.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
My new manager is destroying my confidence with micro-management & bad communication
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Advertisement 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q: For the past three years, I've worked in change communications. It was my perfect job and enabled me to thrive. Unfortunately, my employer got rid of my position and sent me back to a previous role in a different department, which I now find difficult. I'm currently on the waiting list for a neurodiversity assessment. Advertisement READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY I've told my new manager this, but they don't understand and work in a way that makes things a struggle and affects my focus. They also aren't very clear in their communication and they micro-manage me – even asking me about personal appointments in my calendar. I want to move forward – whether in this company or a different one – but my confidence is being knocked every day. Do you have any advice? Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Amber, via email A: It doesn't sound like your employer is supporting you or playing to your strengths. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Request a meeting with your manager to calmly explain how the current set-up is affecting your ability to do your best work. Be specific about what's difficult, such as micro-management, unclear instructions and being questioned on personal matters, and how this is affecting your focus and confidence. Advertisement Then explain what you need instead – more clarity, trust and autonomy. It's also worth sharing how much you thrived in your previous role and why. At the same time, speak to occupational health or HR about your neurodiversity assessment, as you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments. while at work. Keep a written record of concerning interactions, and don't stop advocating for yourself. Advertisement Whether it's within this company or somewhere new, you deserve to be in a role and environment that supports your needs and allows you to grow. Got a careers question for Karren? Email
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
How can I prepare and negotiate to get a fair redundancy package after 20 years at my company?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) I have recently realised that redundancy is likely on the horizon for my role, and I am keen not to be caught off guard. I've been at my current company for 20 years, and am fine with the idea of moving on at this point, but I want to ensure the redundancy package I receive is fair and as beneficial as possible. How do I go about negotiating this, and should I team up with others who are made redundant to petition for a better deal? I've never been through this process before and want to avoid being taken for a mug – so is there anything I can do in advance to prepare? Lianne, via email A) If you suspect redundancy is coming, it's wise to prepare early. In the UK, you're entitled to statutory redundancy pay after two years working for a business, but many companies do offer enhanced terms, especially for long-serving staff. Check your contract for any clauses on redundancy and notice periods. If others at your workplace have been made redundant, try to find out what packages they received, as this can give you a benchmark. Don't wait to be told what is happening – instead, take the initiative yourself. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Arrange a chat with HR or your manager and explain that you'd like clarity around your situation. Ask for a full breakdown of any potential packages in writing. If other colleagues are affected, sharing information with each other can help – just be sure you trust who you're talking to. Raising the subject yourself shows professionalism and may put you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiation, especially if management would rather avoid formal consultation or disputes. Good luck – and remember, this is the start of a new and positive chapter for you.
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
How can I prepare and negotiate to get a fair redundancy package after 20 years at my company?
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Advertisement 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) I have recently realised that redundancy is likely on the horizon for my role, and I am keen not to be caught off guard. I've been at my current company for 20 years, and am fine with the idea of moving on at this point, but I want to ensure the redundancy package I receive is fair and as beneficial as possible. How do I go about negotiating this, and should I team up with others who are made redundant to petition for a better deal? I've never been through this process before and want to avoid being taken for a mug – so is there anything I can do in advance to prepare? Advertisement READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY Lianne, via email A) If you suspect redundancy is coming, it's wise to prepare early. In the UK, you're entitled to statutory redundancy pay after two years working for a business, but many companies do offer enhanced terms, especially for long-serving staff. Check your contract for any clauses on redundancy and notice periods. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive If others at your workplace have been made redundant, try to find out what packages they received, as this can give you a benchmark. Don't wait to be told what is happening – instead, take the initiative yourself. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Arrange a chat with HR or your manager and explain that you'd like clarity around your situation. Ask for a full breakdown of any potential packages in writing. Advertisement If other colleagues are affected, sharing information with each other can help – just be sure you trust who you're talking to. Raising the subject yourself shows professionalism and may put you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiation, especially if management would rather avoid formal consultation or disputes. Good luck – and remember, this is the start of a new and positive chapter for you. Got a careers question for Karren? Email
Scottish Sun
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I've landed my dream job but just found out I'm pregnant – do I tell my new boss now?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who has just been offered her dream job but has found out she's pregnant. 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) have just accepted a pretty senior role at a firm I've wanted to be part of for a while. However, since receiving the offer, I've discovered I'm pregnant – we weren't trying for a baby, but we'd like to progress with the pregnancy. My question is, what's the right next step – do I tell my new employer up front? Or maybe I should stay at my current job in order to get Statutory Maternity Pay? I'm trying to deal with the physical, mental and financial changes to my life this pregnancy is going to bring, and I can't decide the best way to move forward. Help! Gracie, via email A: Congratulations on your pregnancy, and also on your new role! It's completely understandable to feel uncertain about how to navigate this situation. When it comes to telling your new employer, remember that your pregnancy is a personal matter. West Ham chief Karren Brady has her say on VAR in Premier League and predicts 'a season of anger and confusion' Legally, you're not required to tell your new employer until 15 weeks before your due date, but being open early on can build trust, especially in a senior role. When you do, focus on expressing your excitement for the role and your commitment to contributing, while also being transparent about your maternity leave plans. As for staying in your current job to qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), that's a valid option if you've been there long enough and need the financial security. You likely won't qualify for SMP from the new employer, but you may qualify for Maternity Allowance. Visit for details, and consider talking to HR or a financial adviser. Ultimately, weigh the long-term benefits of the new role against the shorter-term needs of your pregnancy. This is an exciting time, so try not to let work stress overshadow it. Good luck!
