Is swearing enough to get you sacked?

Mips

No employer handbook!

Welshwoofs

Was it casual swearing dippy, or did you lose it with someone and use swearing as part of the 'telling off'. This isn't the awful person you've written about elsewhere is it?

MrMuttley

Context is key here.

If you had clients or customers in the building then that is a big deal even in the absence of a formal company handbook. Likewiase if anyone was reasonably offended it can be a problem

OTOH if you work in a hard manual labour type of place like a foundry etc then a lot of swearing is practically expected.

Let us know what sort of work you do and who heard you swearing and why you were then we might be able to offer a better opinion.

HTH

Mike

The_Mighty_Gusset

It may lead to a disciplinary procedure, that may lead to a verbal or written warning, or in the event that it's considered Gross Misconduct then yes, it can lead to dismissal.

If 'Industrial Language' is commonplace in your work environment then you have a good defence against even a verbal warning.

Your company should have a written, formal disciplinary process, that they are legally obliged to follow - ask to see a copy.
If you are in a Trades Union, see your Rep.
If you aren't - consider joining one !

Apolonation

IF YOU SWEAR you deserve to be sacked. I deplore foul language in the street let alone in the workplace. I can not understand this thread it must be a joke?

Ladyhawk

Apolonation wrote: »

IF YOU SWEAR you deserve to be sacked. I deplore foul language in the street let alone in the workplace. I can not understand this thread it must be a joke?

Seriously? :eek:

Some of my suppliers swear in front of me - I don't have a problem with it unless it is directed at me or someone I work with or is abusive. And TBH I have sworn at them "don't be so f###ing rediculous" on the very rare occassion. But it certainly would not be the first thing I'd say to them!! I also do try to tone it down in the office though.

Uncertain

Apolonation wrote: »

IF YOU SWEAR you deserve to be sacked. I deplore foul language in the street let alone in the workplace. I can not understand this thread it must be a joke?

Well that may be you personal opinion but the legal position is not so clear cut.

As said before it all comes down to the context and the working environment.

pitkin2020

Without the OP defining the context in which she swore its impossible to know if its sackable or not.
A casual swear to a collegue may be deemed acceptable and not very offensive, but like others have said if you aim it directly at someone with a bit of venom and it is taken the wrong way it could be classed as threatening behaviour.

HotLegs

Dippy I got arrested for swearing :rotfl:

HellsGranny

It depends on the context and the situation.

In A&E, a patient in pain can be forgiven and expletive or two, but not the doctor or nurse attending him.

In an Hotel, often the customer can get away with saying things that the receptionist cannot.

However, on a building site, bad language is often every other word, and I'm sure many of us have heard chefs swearing at their staff.

Company policy will dictate what is acceptable in that company, but the general rule is don't cuss out a customer, save the swearing for breaks, preferably off company premises, and when not wearing company uniform, as it can be argued that you are still representing the company while wearin the uniform.

Cheers, HG