Workplace dilemmas: I feel marginalised for my views about Brexit

Each month, our agony uncle responds to your concerns. This time: how to cope when you’re at odds with your colleagues over politics

Dear Tim,

I think everyone would agree that the current political situation in the UK is toxic. Tune in to the Today programme and sooner or later it will descend into a shouting match between Leavers and Remainers.

    ...I feel as if people with my views are being criticised and sidelined.  

I know I’m not alone in feeling disgusted at the way our parliamentarians have behaved in recent weeks. It is my firm belief that they have frustrated the will of the people, who voted clearly in favour of leaving the European Union more than three years ago. I believe the time for negotiation is passed, and we must get on with the business of exiting.

I appreciate that not everyone shares my views. I’m always careful about articulating them too stridently, as Brexit is one of the most divisive subjects I’ve encountered in my lifetime.

But I’ve noticed something about where I work, and it’s really beginning to get me down. I feel as if I’m the only one who isn’t in favour of Remain, which means I’m doubly reluctant to express my opinions.

To be honest, it’s more than that. The people I work with are very much of the opinion that anyone who voted to leave the EU is an idiot or a racist – or both. They think that Boris Johnson is the worst prime minister ever and are extremely vocal in dismissing his strategy to deliver Brexit by the end of October.

By implication, I feel as if people with my views are being criticised and sidelined. Even when I gently suggest that there is an alternative view on the topic, my contribution is closed down with a roll of the eyes and a cutting phrase about being bigoted or selfish because I’m unconcerned about the impact of leaving the EU on the poorest members of society.

But here’s the thing. I voted to leave because I thought it would make things better for everyone in the UK. I’m not opposed to immigration and I don’t have any jingoistic notions that Brexit will restore the empire. I just feel that it’s the right thing to do, especially since it was settled upon democratically by a referendum. And I’m fed up with being made to feel silly, thoughtless or uncaring because of views that I’ve reached after careful consideration and a lot of research.

Tim says:

You’re right, we are in the midst of one of the most divided periods of the modern political age. In his book How Democracy Ends, the political scientist David Runciman describes our current situation as a blip, much like those experienced by all the great democracies in the passage of time.

    ...the political scientist David Runciman describes our current situation as a blip, much like those experienced by all the great democracies in the passage of time.  

But blip or not, that doesn’t stop political discourse having a rather unsavoury character just now. We might say that this is a healthy sign of the freedoms we are privileged to take for granted in the western world: the freedom to express our views in an honest way, without fear of sanction or recrimination.

From what you’re saying, you don’t feel as if you can participate in this freedom to the same extent as your colleagues. This is always a danger of a liberal political worldview: it can quickly become surprisingly conservative in its unwillingness to countenance views that it doesn’t find acceptable.

Witness the furore in 2009 about BNP leader Nick Griffin being invited to speak on the BBC’s Question Time. The issue here was that people committed to the freedom of speech didn’t extend that commitment as far as someone whose views they found abhorrent.

Compared to Mr Griffin, your views are by no means extreme. But in a workplace context where a more pro-European mindset dominates, you’re clearly being made to feel as if your ideas are unacceptable. That’s simply not justified: you’re entitled to your opinions, and should feel as if you have the freedom to voice them, and not be marginalised for holding them.

My advice would be to have a chat with your line manager about how you’re feeling. They may be able to issue a general reminder to colleagues that it pays to be sensitive when expressing views about controversial political topics. This shouldn’t be personalised, but just a gentle nudge to remember that not everyone will see the world as they do.

Alternatively, you could try expressing your views with more confidence. From what you’ve said, you have resisted speaking too openly about your take on this subject, through fear of being ostracised. But you may find that you’re not alone, that others around you feel the same and are just waiting for someone to express their opinion. According to a ComRes poll, 54 per cent of people believe the 2016 referendum result should be honoured – putting you firmly in the majority.

That’s small comfort if you feel isolated in your working environment, of course. But either way, it pays to have confidence that your opinion is as deserving of expression as those of your colleagues. And the most important thing of all is to keep dialogue, discussion and healthy disagreement alive.

If not, as you rightly point out, all we’re left with is a shouting match.

Published: 12 September 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Workplace dilemmas: I think my colleague has fallen for me

You may also enjoy: How to create your company’s environmental strategy

Jobs currently available

Technical Sales Advisor (office-based)
Sector: Sales
Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 per annum
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913673
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a highly motivated Technical Sales Advisor for a manufacturer in the water management industry, based in Halstead, Essex.

This is an office-based role!

You will have a strong technical background with excellent sales skills and be able to provide expert advice as well as solutions to clients. You will also be responsible for handling inbound inquiries, supporting external sales teams, preparing quotations, and offering technical guidance to customers from the office location.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Responding to customer inquiries via phone, email, and online channels, providing technical advice on water management solutions, including drainage systems and wastewater management.
  • Supporting external sales teams by preparing quotations, proposals and tenders based on customer requirements.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, contractors, and industry professionals remotely.
  • Assisting with order processing, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in sales transactions.
  • Keeping up-to-date with industry regulations, standards, and best practices.
  • Collaborating with internal teams, including engineering and product development, to tailor solutions to client needs.
  • Maintaining accurate records of customer interactions using CRM systems.
  • Providing product training and technical support to customers as needed.

Requirements include:

  • A background in civil engineering, environmental engineering, construction, or a related technical field is desired but not essential.
  • Experience in technical sales, customer service, or a support role in the water management industry.
  • Strong understanding of drainage systems, water treatment, or related infrastructure solutions.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
  • Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
  • Proficiency in CRM systems and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary with performance.
  • Professional development opportunities and training.
  • Pension scheme.
  • Supportive and dynamic team environment.

If you are a technically skilled professional with a passion for sales and customer service, we would love to hear from you.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Business Development Coordinator
Sector: Sales
Salary: £28,000 - £36,000 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913672
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Business Development Coordinator to join the team of a world-class manufacturer, based in Tiverton, Devon.

This exciting and interesting development opportunity will focus on generating enquiries and increasing sales for a range of the company's products.

The position offers significant potential to develop into a leadership position within this new division.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Prospecting for new customers by using the existing database, directories and LinkedIn
  • Following up on leads
  • Liaising with the sales team
  • Updating CRM
  • Sales process management, including preparing quotes
  • Following on  quotations
  • Passing details for ordering to the sales team
  • Liaise with Marketing to coordinate targeted campaigns

Key skills:

  • Prospecting skills to find customers
  • Strong communication skills to deal with people at all levels of the organisation
  • You will have sales experience, ideally in an engineering environment
  • Strong teamwork skills, as the need to effectively liaise with the sales teams, will be essential
  • Able to work well on own initiative, identifying areas for attention, setting own targets and priorities
  • IT skills, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Customer relationship management software experience
  • LinkedIn experience – not essential

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Business Development Manager
Sector: Sales
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913671
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based on the outskirts of Colchester, currently seeking a Business Development Manager to join their existing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress their sales career within a successful and well-respected business. The role offers ongoing training and career development.

You will be a team player as well as self-motivated, striving for improvements across the business. You will also be highly organised and capable of managing a dynamic workload whilst relishing working with internal and external stakeholders.

Key duties include:

  • Managing the existing customer network – order taking, account reviews and general support
  • Developing new direct business, building long-term, sustainable partnerships
  • Developing new direct B2B opportunities in the UK and other regions
  • Responding to regular inbound business enquiries
  • Monitoring and responding to tender opportunities
  • Working closely with the Marketing team to develop imaginative lead generation campaigns

Key requirements for this role include:

  • A tenacious and hungry business developer capable of multitasking and constantly hunting new opportunities
  • Financially numerate
  • Experience with CRM platforms
  • Ability to work as part of a team to drive the business forward
  • Ability to quickly understand and demonstrate products
  • Excellent interpersonal and written skills
  • Ability to work under demanding deadlines

Working hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

This role offers a very attractive salary and bonus package.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Forklift Driver - Counterbalance (11am to 9pm)
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913670
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business based in Earls Colne to recruit a Forklift Driver to their team, offering a permanent opportunity.

To be considered for this role, you must have a Counterbalance licence that is valid and up-to-date with previous experience.

This role is busy and varied — you might spend the day working in the yard, moving goods, stock checking, or loading and unloading trucks.

This is a great company to be part of, offering further progression and development.
Overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Working hours are from Monday to Friday, 11am to 9pm.

Free parking is available on site, as well as further company benefits.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Food Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Haverhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-FPO-HAV-0525
About the role

Just Temps seeks Food Production Operatives for a company based outside of Haverhill.

This is an immediate start role!

Working hours and rate of pay:

  • Working either 7am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday and 6am to 2pm, Friday.
  • Or 3pm to 11pm, Monday to Thursday and 2pm to 10pm, Friday.
  • Paid weekly in arrears.

Main duties to include:

  • Packing meat products in a clean and friendly environment.
  • Food production duties.

Due to the location, you must have your own transport.

Benefits:

  • Accrue a holiday for every hour you work.
  • Pension after the qualifying period.
  • Arrange an induction now!

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more