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Suspended from work

I have been suspended from work pending an investigation on full pay. I am the only one to have been suspended.

I was screamed and shouted at by a manager, who made us 'guess' what our job roles were, like a child, and told that it was basically put up with it, shut up or get lost - as I could be replaced.

The manager stated how the boss isn't interested in what goes on, not to listen to him and refused me a chance to speak. I left and stormed out the door swearing (though not at anyone).

I had previously mentioned that I felt treated unfairly because I have children and was sick of hearing how 'reliable' the other person was, because they dont have commitments like I do.

Anyways, is it acceptable to be screamed at? My anger was as a direct result of being abused loudly and I stated I was being belittled, but it continued. I was told the manager was 'furious' and thats why they were shouting at me.


I have no defined job role, it changes from day to day and whilst working have to listen to heated arguments going on in the background - to the point I have to hang up my telephone and wait for the swearing to stop.

I have emails I have been forwarded regarding the company which I didn't request or didn't need to see slagging off the owner of the company, and basically admitting how volatile the boss was.

I was personally handed a letter of suspension however, was the only one suspended and was not asked to explain the situation before being told I wasn't working.

What can I do? :)
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Comments

  • dehaani
    dehaani Posts: 604 Forumite
    I felt treated unfairly because I have children and was sick of hearing how 'reliable' the other person was, because they dont have commitments like I do.

    ...

    What can I do? :)
    Be more 'reliable', perhaps childcare would help?
  • dehaani wrote: »
    Be more 'reliable', perhaps childcare would help?


    There are no issues with my reliability - I have never received written warnings or verbal warnings. However, I was called out of work for a child with breathing difficulties on a number of occasions, with hospital records and Doctors visits confirming this.
  • BligBlag
    BligBlag Posts: 72 Forumite
    How long have you been at the Company?

    Sounds to me as though they're not very child friendly, and probably objected to you saying you felt unfairly treated.
  • They must have given you a letter stating exactly what you have been suspended for. What is the wording on that?
    "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein
  • ceridwen
    ceridwen Posts: 11,547 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 21 January 2010 at 7:10PM
    Spitroast wrote: »
    They must have given you a letter stating exactly what you have been suspended for. What is the wording on that?

    Just what I was going to say.....

    Sorry to hear this has happened to you. Sounds like an awful environment to work in from what you say...

    I think you know the answer to your question "Is it acceptable to be screamed at?". Quite definitely - NOT. Managers should always always make their points quietly/calmly/objectively - and yes it hasnt always been my experience either that they do that....

    I hardly think you can be blamed for walking out the door swearing - as you say that it wasnt "at anyone". Though - goodness knows - in a work environment like that - they could hardly complain if it was. What anyone says - to themselves - is entirely their own business.
  • BligBlag wrote: »
    How long have you been at the Company?

    Sounds to me as though they're not very child friendly, and probably objected to you saying you felt unfairly treated.

    At company 18 months.
    Spitroast wrote: »
    They must have given you a letter stating exactly what you have been suspended for. What is the wording on that?


    suspending pending investigations



    They are child friendly (well the company is, just not the department within the company) just prefer this person who can, at the drop of a hat be there and can work longer hours.
  • wuckfit
    wuckfit Posts: 544 Forumite
    Is this incident an isolated one? I mean does the manager make a habit of screaming at people?

    My first thought might be to resign and claim constructive dismissal, but unfortunately it's difficult to prove and you've not really provided enough background in order for anyone to advise one way or the other whether this is a good idea.

    I expect that others, with more experience, will be able to guide you through the nuances of unpicking their procedural errors in suspending, and if it comes ot it, sacking you, for if/when you end up in a tribunal.
    Best of luck :)
  • ceridwen
    ceridwen Posts: 11,547 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    "pending investigations" - but what for? What are they actually investigating?
  • Anihilator
    Anihilator Posts: 2,169 Forumite
    In all likiehood the fact the OP swore at management and stormed out.

    Yes screaming and belittling staff isnt very professional but some management think its acceptable. Need to distinguish between whether its a poor management technique or bullying.

    There is no issue like this with the OP though as its completely unprofessional to swear at management and storm out.

    The rest seems like side issues best avoided.
  • ceridwen
    ceridwen Posts: 11,547 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Anihilator wrote: »
    In all likiehood the fact the OP swore at management and stormed out.

    Yes screaming and belittling staff isnt very professional but some management think its acceptable. Need to distinguish between whether its a poor management technique or bullying.

    There is no issue like this with the OP though as its completely unprofessional to swear at management and storm out.

    The rest seems like side issues best avoided.

    Well - in such a verbally aggressive environment as OP clearly works in - then either:
    - both sides can swear
    OR
    - neither side can swear

    As managers can swear - then clearly so can workers. It cuts both ways.
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