Can they Sack Me when they caused my illness?

j.e.j.

missprice wrote: »

also if you are asked to do something that will be detrimental to the business then say 'soon as you send me that in writing/email I shall begin'
then if anything ever comes of it you have proof that you did not start the process.

this ^^^^

Yes, unfortunately it's far from unheard-of that a manager asks someone to do something they don't want to risk doing themselves, and then deny having asked that person to do it, and the employee has then got into trouble.

Aren't people lovely :rotfl:
I'd like to think that surely there must be some nice people/managers in the workplace..? Or is the current situation such that if you're not a sly snake-in-the-grass they'll have you for breakfast!

ilovemyspecs

MarkTed wrote: »

You should look for a better, more deserving job for you. Before they could sack you up, compile all the efforts and things you did right back when you returned, and you could have recorded evidences against your new boss so when they do challenge you, then you can come up with rightful evidences against them.

Yes, indeed I am. What concerns me is that if I left now, I'd get a standard reference saying Sarah worked here from X date to Y date.
Once they try to start formally getting rid of me, it will say Sarah worked here from X date to Y date and left pending a disciplinary hearing.
Not a great start to a new career. So on the one side, I want to go now. On the other I think it's him that did this. Why should I lose my career, it's him that should go! I'm all for standing by what you believe in, and he'll only go and do it to someone else. But will be too late for me then.

j.e.j. wrote: »

this ^^^^

I'd like to think that surely there must be some nice people/managers in the workplace..? Or is the current situation such that if you're not a sly snake-in-the-grass they'll have you for breakfast!

I think most people there are genuine, but whether they'd go out on a limb in a situation like this, and stand up and be counted is another matter. Most people dislike this boss, but they dont have to report to this boss... only I do. In fact, this boss has never worked directly with anyone other than me whilst in my department. I've asked (practically pleaded) to be put with another manager. Even said, playing devils advocate.. put me and the boss with different people and see where the problem moves to.... then you'll know if it's me. My request was flatly denied - by email.
I also have emails from the boss asking me to do this last thing (against company policy), so that's one thing in my favour. Although I sent some emails to myself at home - copies as evidence in case of need - and they have discovered this - and are trying to take me to task for it.
Damned if you do... damned if you dont !
:mad:
This is exactly the sort of thing the press (and no doubt Martin L) would just love to get hold of, particularly with what is currently headline news ! I'm not saying that's what I'll do, I'm all for playing fair, but if I lose my job - and 20yrs+ pension over this, i may have to make up for it somehow... right?

londonlydia

Have you been offered mediation? Personally, they should always offer that first, and it means that you can work proactively with your manager with another person present.

If you're working for a major chain, then they will surely have substantial HR policies in place. It is your right to escalate this problem if you are not content with the result at a lower level- so take it as high as possible.

My advice right now is to fly low, it your tongue and get as much evidence as you can. Have you got anyoen locally willing to provide a witness statement? Even if they can verify they saw you go into a room together? You've worked for this company a long time, and I think you have some argument in saying that someone who works that length of time without prior complaint is unlikely to have ulterior motives.

Also, work WITH HR. Think about the results you are willing to accept. Yes it would be ideal if he lost his job, but that's a nightmare for them to organise and they could be sued unless they've got a solid case. Instead, envisage that you may have to continue working for this boss. Could you make some suggestions as to reasonable improvements so that is tolerable? Like I said, mediation may actually help. If it doesnt, well at least it throws a favourable light on you at least!

ilovemyspecs

londonlydia wrote: »

Have you been offered mediation? Personally, they should always offer that first, and it means that you can work proactively with your manager with another person present.

If you're working for a major chain, then they will surely have substantial HR policies in place. It is your right to escalate this problem if you are not content with the result at a lower level- so take it as high as possible.

My advice right now is to fly low, it your tongue and get as much evidence as you can. Have you got anyoen locally willing to provide a witness statement? Even if they can verify they saw you go into a room together? You've worked for this company a long time, and I think you have some argument in saying that someone who works that length of time without prior complaint is unlikely to have ulterior motives.

Also, work WITH HR. Think about the results you are willing to accept. Yes it would be ideal if he lost his job, but that's a nightmare for them to organise and they could be sued unless they've got a solid case. Instead, envisage that you may have to continue working for this boss. Could you make some suggestions as to reasonable improvements so that is tolerable? Like I said, mediation may actually help. If it doesnt, well at least it throws a favourable light on you at least!

Thanks, no haven't been offered mediation. Maybe that should be my next suggestion. I'd go quietly for the equivalent of redundancy, but I don't see why I should leave with nothing, when I've not been shown anything that I've done wrong. They've said I'm apparently under performing, but all my reviews have been perfectly fine. They wear me out, they really do. This whole thing is taking it's toll on me, and I'm now at the point where I'd just take a pay off and go to be rid of it all. :mad:

j.e.j.

Just one other thing, - do the people above him think he is doing a good job? Has there been any other negative feedback about him, or is it just you, as far as you know?

I think that while other employees may well agree with the OP, few of them will be willing to stick their head above the parapet and say anything, for fear of inviting trouble for themselves. There may be people who have now left the company who could back the OP up, perhaps?

ilovemyspecs

j.e.j. wrote: »

Just one other thing, - do the people above him think he is doing a good job? Has there been any other negative feedback about him, or is it just you, as far as you know?

I think that while other employees may well agree with the OP, few of them will be willing to stick their head above the parapet and say anything, for fear of inviting trouble for themselves. There may be people who have now left the company who could back the OP up, perhaps?

His boss thinks he's great, after all he gets the job done (or should I say, I do!). Will be interesting to see how much the job gets done whilst I'm not in! He talks a very good talk. Can convince anyone (except me) that black is white, and up is down.
His old boss used to think he was great too, but has seen the light since he left the department and no longer subject to his brainwashing speeches