Colleague issue

RosaBernicia

gwen80 wrote: »

Errata wrote: »

I am not currently a member of a union. Do you think I can join one now or will they only assist me with cases that occur after I've become a member?

Do check, but I think some have a time period of membership before they will take on cases for you. It may vary between industries.

gwen80 wrote: »

If it assists anybody with the advice they provide, I'll just say that it is a large, global company.

If there is a company structure beyond your office, perhaps this could be a source of more independent panel etc?


Rosa xx

Nicki

I think a union would only help with issues which arose after you joined. However there is nothing to stop you consulting a solicitor for some advice at your own expense, and in fact this might be a wise investment. If you are concerned about the expense, you can set a cap on fees.

Just make sure it is a solicitor and not a part qualified legal executive you see though

gwen80

RosaBernicia wrote: »

Hi Gwen

Sorry to hear things haven't been straightforward. More hugs!

I do think you should have someone independent with you if possible, or at least to talk through it. Is there a manager there who you do trust? And did the police put you in touch with Victim Support?

I do think from some of your earlier emails you are probably finding a delayed reaction. I'm pretty sure that's normal (it took me almost 24 hours to start shaking after the flatmate with knife incident) but do try to look after yourself. You've been fabulously brave and whether or not you get the result you deserve, you know you did the right thing and have stopped him.

We're still here for you (hopefully some of the less useful additions will fade out) so rant away or puzzle or whatever you need.

Rosa xx

Thankyou Rosa I'll be able to sleep at night knowing that I did do the right thing. What I'm worried about though, is that I'll not be able to sleep at night for fear of anything happening again (either by him or someone else)?

This isn't really a question for you specifically Rosa, but I'd just like to see what people think of this. They can't say that with lack of witness evidence (they didn't interview one of them!), they do not think it will be possible to confirm the alleged indecent exposure.

Now my question is, can the confirm that the indecent exposure didn't take place? If not and the fact that the incident occurred in an openplan office with another member of staff there, how can I be safe at work?

Gwenx

1984ReturnsForReal_2

gwen80 wrote: »

If it assists anybody with the advice they provide, I'll just say that it is a large, global company.

Nothing personal but if you want proper advice I think its about time you saw a solicitor.

Normally they give you a half hour or hour for nothing.


Its a bit better than posting random information on an internet forum.

Flyboy152

gwen80 wrote: »

I am not currently a member of a union. Do you think I can join one now or will they only assist me with cases that occur after I've become a member?

It has been my experience that it would not matter to be honest, unions are apparently desperate for membership right now.

Joking aside, I am pretty sure that the union would support you, seeing as this will affect their members, if there is a pervert on the loose.

Errata

What I'm worried about though, is that I'll not be able to sleep at night for fear of anything happening again (either by him or someone else)?

That is a perfectly normal reaction to an abnormal situation. It should lessen with time, but if it becomes problematic in that it's lasting longer than you think it should or want it to, or seems to be worsening then in your shoes I would discuss with a GP.

whitewing

I was under the impression that we did have a properly qualified solicitor on th thread.

Anyway, sexual harrassment affects us all directly or indirectly so it's useful to all of us to this this thread and at least consider what we would do or advise in similar situations.

People who post on internet forums usually do it as well as - not instead of - seeking solutions in real life.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

whitewing wrote: »

People who post on internet forums usually do it as well as - not instead of - seeking solutions in real life.

I am missing the post where the OP says she has seen a solicitor?

Nicki

whitewing wrote: »

I was under the impression that we did have a properly qualified solicitor on the thread.

People who post on internet forums usually do it as well as - not instead of - seeking solutions in real life.

There are a couple of us, yes, but also a wide range of other posters, who are also giving their advice, which while some of it might make Gwen feel better, could adversely affect her interests. I'm thinking for example of the post which suggested she ask her disciplinary panel whether they had ever accidentally exposed themselves :eek:

RosaBernicia

gwen80 wrote: »

Thankyou Rosa I'll be able to sleep at night knowing that I did do the right thing. What I'm worried about though, is that I'll not be able to sleep at night for fear of anything happening again (either by him or someone else)?

This is where I think Victim Support might be able to help you. Or could Occ Health refer to for supportive counselling? (hopefully this could be separate from the investigation etc?)

gwen80 wrote: »

This isn't really a question for you specifically Rosa, but I'd just like to see what people think of this. They can't say that with lack of witness evidence (they didn't interview one of them!), they do not think it will be possible to confirm the alleged indecent exposure.

Now my question is, can the confirm that the indecent exposure didn't take place? If not and the fact that the incident occurred in an openplan office with another member of staff there, how can I be safe at work?

Gwenx

Well they may not be able to 'confirm' it, but my questions then would be - is that necessary in order to take action? And what action will they take if confirmed or unconfirmed? As someone earlier has said, even if they say they can't fire him they shouldn't expect you to work together.

Rosa xx