Comments on: Suspended from my job.?

By: rickinnocal

rickinnocal — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:49:12 +0000

It’s perfectly legal. Even unsupported suspicion of theft is a legal basis to fire someone.

In your specific case, however, you have additional protection as a result of your Union contract.

Richard

By: LSRB

LSRB — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:49:12 +0000

Talk to your local union.

By: John G

John G — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:49:12 +0000

YOU NEED TO GET A LIST OF WHAT WAS TAKEN, WHEN IT WAS TAKEN, COULD YOU FIT WHAT WAS TAKEN INTO THE BOXES , WHEN YOU CARRIED THE BOXES OUT ,DID IT LOOK LIKE THE WERE EMPTY, WHY WERE YOU NOT CHECKED , WERE YOU WORKING WHEN STUFF WAS TAKEN , HAVE THEY A "WITNESS" WHO IS SAYING THINGS AGAINST YOU , ARE YOU THE ONLY ONE BEING SUSPENDED , , IF YOU ARE INNOCENT ,THEN YOU NEED TO GET SOME LEGAL AID TO SORT THIS OUT ,THEN YOU CAN SUE THEM

By: s c

s c — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:49:12 +0000

As usual John G (who doesn’t know how to switch off the caps lock) is talking rubbish. You cannot sue them.

An employer is allowed to suspend on full pay (so you’re not disadvantaged) whilst they investigate dishonesty.

What I can’t quite work out is why you post a question here rather than phoning your work and telling them that you took empty boxes with permission and name who gave you that permission.

That way things may be sorted out a bit quicker. – Unless there is more to this story of course wink

By: AnYingJie

AnYingJie — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:49:12 +0000

Nothing wrong, you are however
in the court of the company not the court of the land…

- Talk to ACAS
- Talk to your local Citizens advice.. they often have lawyers available
(not 24/7 but at times in the week…)

If you have a union rep/membership talk to them.

As of now.
You should be given a copy the disciplinary procedure.
do nothing till you get it, and keep asking daily for it till you get it.
put the request in writing and deliver to the company.

Find someone who will be your companion in the ‘hearing’
Their role is
- to be your second ears
- ask procedural questions or anything to make things clear that is ambiguous.
They cannot speak on your behalf.. but can query things for clarity for you/ask if inappropriate (but not cause excessive problems)
- Esp if they are pushing for an answer when you don;t feel it is appropriate eg ‘what is your opinion, what you do think .. etc’ Dont give it.. stick to the facts that they present only.
- you companion can ask for a break, to discuss things in a confidential area.. suggest or tell you things he noticed.

At the hearing,
- make them do the running.
- let them show what they have
- say nothing except straight answers to straight questions.
no options, etc..

they have to show clear evidence, and not infer anything and expect you to say something.

MAKE NOTES afterwards for youself of everything that happened.
Make notes now of everything that has happened till now
Keep notes of everything that happens and when.
any conversation you have with anyone officially, follow it up with a letter confirming what was said.. assuming they asked for something/you gave an answer or vice versa.

Let them do the running…say as liitle as possible, and don’t indvertantly say anything for what it may lead to accidentally.

if you have the permission to take the boxes, do you have anything written ?
if not, can you get an email or a statement from the person who gave that permission… Talk to them now.

(in future always get an email or written permission.. it makes life so much easier )

In the event that you did lose your job over it, a solicitor will want all that information you collected to use in an unfair dismissal case.

ALL that said,
this sounds like they genuinely have a pilfering problem and your actions have not helped.. .looking suspicious.. and they are trying to treat all people equally and fairly. And once you are heard, it will all go away nicely. Its just a pain to have to go through (be positive its 5 days extra paid holiday.. use it to get some rest so that you are fresh for the talk with the bosses)