Mildred has been employed for many years as the ‘personal secretary’ to Mr. Smith. Her terms and conditions state that she may be required to undertake any tasks ‘that are within her capabilities and appropriate to her post’. Owing to an increased workload in the department, Mildred has been asked to take on some further secretarial duties for two other senior employees and to cover the switchboard every other lunchtime.

Mildred has refused to take on the extra duties, arguing that they are outside the scope of her contract. During one heated debate about the matter with Mr. Smith, he banged his fist on her desk and shouted abusively at her in full view of other staff. Mildred wants to keep her job and is thinking of lodging a formal grievance.

Discuss the legal issues that arise in this situation.