being accused of theft?!

Savvy_Sue

It would probably help if he wrote some notes to help in any meetings. Take each point of the letter and note any discrepancies in the letter, eg said to have been asked this on that date, but I was on leave.

Worth also checking whether there's anything in his terms and conditions about borrowing tools (if there is, I'd expect it to say NO!), and also how custom and practice has operated, eg "I have borrowed and returned tools on several occasions, always asking permission from X, and this has never been refused."

bendix

yoxford2008 wrote: »

It seems to be a trend on this site,People come asking for answers and then start being arsey

I've noticed it too.

Perhaps I've misread the OP's ramblings but it looks to me like her OH has a bit of tendency to borrow things from work without asking, so it's hardly surprising he's annoyed the boss and is being accused when things go missing.

I would have serious concerns about anyone taking tools home to do private projects, without asking permission in advance.

It's basic common sense and good manners.

bendix

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Worth also checking whether there's anything in his terms and conditions about borrowing tools (if there is, I'd expect it to say NO!), and also how custom and practice has operated, eg "I have borrowed and returned tools on several occasions, always asking permission from X, and this has never been refused."

In which case he would be lying, because occasion one clearly implies he asked for some wood offcuts but didnt ask to borrow tools. In fact, his boss had to question him about it the following morning.

The OP's OH clearly has a tendency to take what isn't his, irrespective of whether he plans to return them or not.

If someone borrowed things from my house without having the decency to ask me, I think I could be forgiven for calling that person a thief.

Sambucus_Nigra

Jarndyce wrote: »

If there is no evidence against him, then that is his best chance of not being charged with anything.

Sorry J - but having a plane under a covering in a wheelbarrow [or is that burrow] to me smacks of evidence against someone, esp if the plane was never seen again.

I'm with Bendix on this one - seems taking stuff home was rampant and unless there is a local agreement written into terms and conditions the evidence seems to be on the side of the company.

Also, the boss apparently loses his temper and tries to sack them. Well, in this instance he has suspended him. Which says to me that it's not a temper tantrum but a proper 'evidence based' disciplinary. They won't have to prove that he has stolen things, just that it appear that he may have - to be able to sack him for gross misconduct.

steve1980

As said in another post, make sure your husband writes his own notes (probably better to check on a spellchecker before he goes in for the meeting).

No offence to you but don't offer to do this for him as your post is riddled with spelling mistakes.

HAD29

xxDextersMummyxx wrote: »

i have no idea what to do!!!?

Update his CV perhaps?
Ok, all joking aside, seriously, he needs some professional advice. If the boss has been as bad as you say, then he should document the instances of "abuse" if he hasn't already done so. Won't save him being bagged for knocking off tools, but may force the senior management to look at this manager's behaviour in the future.

I agree with the many people here saying that you shouldn't borrow tools from work. Most companies wouldn't allow it anyway beacuse they can't ensure that it is being used safely when outwith their control. I am therefore surprised (dubious) that this firm was so tolerant to your OH's tool hire needs.

bendix

There is absolutely no evidence of the boss being bad. On the contrary. The only REAL evidence we have with which to judge the boss is his entirely reasonable and legal approach to dealing with the alleged theft, where he has done everything by the book. That doesn't square with the OP's assessment of a screaming boss who just fires people willynilly.

Let's stop beating around the bush here. It's pretty obvious what's been going on here . . the OP is the guy's wife, and even her obviously biased reporting of it shows evidence of what actually happened.

I suggest the guy looks for a new job. His prospects look bleak.

dandelionclock30

If he does get sacked for theft, he will have to miss this employer off his c.v and find an alternative reference.No employer will take someone on when they have done that. Its not like being sacked for lateness, or having an argument with the boss etc.
The only other option would be to look at self employment.

Savvy_Sue

HAD29 wrote: »

I agree with the many people here saying that you shouldn't borrow tools from work. Most companies wouldn't allow it anyway beacuse they can't ensure that it is being used safely when outwith their control. I am therefore surprised (dubious) that this firm was so tolerant to your OH's tool hire needs.

Then there's the aspect of equipment, especially electricals, not having an unlimited life span, so what happens if you borrow the electric widget tightener and it breaks while in your possession? And general insurance, if it's stolen while off the premises but NOT on works business, it likely won't be covered. Even if it is, up goes the premium next year!

We have a van at work which we used to let employees borrow. Not any more!

DCFC79

KiKi wrote: »

DCFC is right, of course. But I do love the idea of the advisers sitting in burrows, like rabbits.

lol if that happened if volunteer just for the fact i could sit in a burrow