Suspended from work

ziggy80

My husband has been suspended from work on the grounds of gross misconduct but he has done nothing wrong. He has been in the job less than a year and has had no previous problems. He said there is evidence that can he prove he has not done what has been accused. Why does he have to be suspended when they can check quite quickly that the allegations are false? Does he have any rights being employed less than a year? We are now in limbo waiting for a letter. How long can these things go on for? I'm beside myself with worry as we stand to lose everything if he loses his job.

Poppy9

Is he in a union?

jazzyman01

When there is a situation of potential gross misconduct, employees are usually suspended pending investigation.

He will be contacted when they have concluded their investigation. At that time they may tell him to come back to work or, alternatively, he has to attend a disciplinary hearing.

He will be given a time and date for the disciplinary hearing. He should be given copies of all evidence against him and enough time to prepare his response before the hearing takes place. He has the right to take a colleague or Trade Union Rep with him.

If he has evidence that clears his name - he must produce copies at the hearing.

ziggy80

No - we wondered if it was too late to join

jazzyman01

The evidence is with the Company? On CCTV? If it is one of those systems that overplays after a certain number of hours you MUST contact them in writing, preferably by email now. Advise that you want this to be part of your evidence.

My experience of unions is that they do not get involved in ongoing situations (friends have tried).

Horace

It maybe too late to join the un'ion, however, some branches may be flexible in letting a person have representation straight away if they pay 3 months' subs upfront which are then backdated.

In some cases yes, there is a bad outcome from being suspended, however I know of several cases where people have been suspended pending an investigation and have kept their jobs. When someone is suspending pending investigation it actually prevents them having contact with work colleagues who maybe involved in the alleged incident - its a way of being impartial so there is no interference.

loveNYC

As horace stated I would try and join the union as they may be able to help - definatley worth a try as this is there expertese. If your partner has not done anything wrong then hopefully all of the document , cctv they have will ammount to nothing.

Has anyone else been suspended ? If so they this may be who they are looking to remove from the company and your husband may unfortuanlety be someone they think may be involed however if he is not then fingers crossed the truth with come to the surface.

Pee

ACAS are very good but I think it would be worthwhile to contact an employment solicitor unless the union is an option - they often have very good legal advice.

apples1

If I were him I would write a letter and send it next day delivery or you deliver it by hand. Saying he is devastated to have been suspended. Say that he understands that there will be an investigation and he will be happy to help with this. Say that he is aware that info stored on XYZ CCTV and would like this to be included in the investigation as he believes it will quickly clear his name.

In answer to your other question - if he has been employed for less than a year then not much he can do if they turn on him. Suggest the polite co-operative route. Good luck

Atermis

it is an option open to your husband.

Was just trying to give a different option to escape this trouble!

Pee

I would look at your finances and entitled to and see what your plan B needs to be, though.