Persecution At Work.

WoodruffsDad

My wife works for a local authority running a small sheltered housing scheme.

Recently, one of the residents took it into their heads that my wife had done something to upset their family life by spreading an accusation about a family member and since then has been cutting her dead and spreading discontent and falsehoods about her. This is making life very difficult for my wife especially considering that the allegations are completely false.

We have a pretty good idea what the allegations are via unofficial whisperings but we have nothing firm. We are also pretty confident that we know the real perpetrator of the whistle blowing.

Can we insist that my wife's employer, a local authority, reveals to us exactly what the allegations are so that we can take appropriate action?

CKhalvashi

WoodruffsDad wrote: »

We have a pretty good idea what the allegations are via unofficial whisperings but we have nothing firm. We are also pretty confident that we know the real perpetrator of the whistle blowing.

Can we insist that my wife's employer, a local authority, reveals to us exactly what the allegations are so that we can take appropriate action?

You can place a SAR with the employer, with a cheque for £10, but as an employer I certainly wouldn't release the 'who' information, as it could be seen as being against the DPA.

If a solicitor did it on your behalf under threat of court action, it may be easier, however.

CK

WoodruffsDad

CKhalvashi wrote: »

You can place a SAR with the employer, with a cheque for £10, but as an employer I certainly wouldn't release the 'who' information, as it could be seen as being against the DPA.

If a solicitor did it on your behalf under threat of court action, it may be easier, however.

CK

What are SAR and DPA please?

Uncertain

WoodruffsDad wrote: »

What are SAR and DPA please?

Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act.

You need more than "a pretty good idea what the allegations are via unofficial whisperings". Unless they are in writing or at the very least confirmed by an independent person you will struggle I'm afraid.

I'm not well enough versed in the DPA to know whether or not any written allegations (if they exist) let alone the name of the author is disclosable.

This is an occasion where a solicitor's letter MAY be effective but it will cost I'm afraid.

CKhalvashi

Uncertain wrote: »

I'm not well enough versed in the DPA to know whether or not any written allegations (if they exist) let alone the name of the author is disclosable.

This is an occasion where a solicitor's letter MAY be effective but it will cost I'm afraid.

It's more a case of whether the LA feel it's appropriate to disclose the info; as I've already stated, as a reasonable employer it would take more than a bit of gossip and a staff request to get that sort of information.

I'd still be negotiating with solicitors as to how it's wholly necessary, however as we do, the LA will have a legal team to check. Many SAR-style applications going through our company is with regard to sales, so this is one I've not dealt with in the last 7 years.

CK

SueC_2

WoodruffsDad wrote: »

e so that we can take appropriate action?

What sort of action are you considering?

I'd suggest that the first thing your wife might benefit from is sitting down with her boss and telling them that she is aware that there are gossip and rumours being spread about her, making it clear that this is upsetting to her, and asking for help in trying to manage the situation.