My new job has a problem employee who's making my life a nightmare – do I tell our boss? | The Sun

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here she helps a reader who is struggling to deal with an employee who can't take constructive criticism.

Q) I have a new job that has given me more responsibility.

So far it’s great, apart from one colleague who’s proving difficult to work with.

They don’t produce the work I ask for, or of the quality needed, and they don’t seem able to take constructive criticism.

Every decision feels like a battle as they present their opinion as the only way forward.

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I’ve been trying to avoid conflict without letting them bulldoze my team, but the situation is made harder by the fact they don’t directly report to me.

I was specifically hired for my expertise in this area and to manage the associated accounts, but I’m starting to dread dealing with this person.

I don’t want to look weak by raising the problem with their boss. Do you have any advice?

Ceri, via email

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A) Next time you meet with this colleague, you need to be very clear exactly what you want and how you want it done.

State you do not have time to discuss how it could be done differently and that you would like them to complete the work exactly how it has been requested.

Then follow up with instructions on email to make it unambiguous.

If poor work is then presented, explain what is lacking and what you expect.

If you still experience challenges, then it is not a weakness to have a conversation with their line manager.

Explain that the wider team is working very well since you started the role, but that you’re experiencing some challenges with this one colleague, and ask their advice on how to get the best out of them.

It’s also worth making sure this person understands the team structure – that even though they do not report directly to you, they have reporting responsibilities into you.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email [email protected].

5 ways to save on… Your summer holiday

With summer getaways costing nearly 20% more this year than last, The Sun’s consumer reporter James Flanders explains how you can stay on budget with yours.

BOOK FLIGHTS DIRECT

Booking with an airline instead of through a comparison website means you can avoid the extra commission that gets added on – agents usually charge passengers higher rates for extras like additional luggage.

We compared a return trip between Gatwick and Palma with EasyJet and found that flights were £43 more if you booked through Expedia instead of directly with the airline.

CONSIDER PACKAGE HOLIDAYS

What’s beneficial about these types of holidays is that they give a raft of protection if something goes wrong, as you’re protected by Package Travel Regulations.

You can seek compensation if a tour company doesn’t deliver what has been advertised, or if you get ill or injured as a result of the hotel.

But take photos and make notes on your experience, as you’ll need evidence to support any claim.

ORDER TRAVEL MONEY ONLINE 

Swap the bureau de change for the web as, according to Which?, the best exchange rates are online.

Use sites like Moneysupermarket.com to compare rates and make sure you use a debit card when buying your cash, otherwise you may have to pay a cash advance fee of around 3%, plus interest.

COST UP SELF-CATERING

You might think Airbnb is cheaper than a hotel, but it’s not always the case.

Two travellers visiting Lisbon for four nights in July can get breakfast included in a city-centre hotel for about £361.

The cheapest Airbnb for the same duration costs £519 – that’s a saving of £158.

BOOK CAR HIRE AHEAD 

According to research from Which?, Brits used to pay an average of £99 for a week’s car rental pre-pandemic, but now we are having to fork out a whopping £223 a week.

For a cheaper deal, be sure to book yours before you land – don’t wing it at the airport.

Comparison sites including Skyscanner and Kayak allow you to compare car rental quotes, but consumer rights expert Martyn James reckons it’s usually best to book directly with the car rental company.

Book using a credit card, as you could get a refund through the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong.

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