Investigation?

starlight123456

I am a regular forum user, and have created a new log in to ask for comments and or advice regarding a complex and distressing situation at work, and apologise in advance for being vague.

I have been employed over two years.

Last year new manager appointed, obviously did not like me but well in with big boss.

Big boss suspends me pending investigation, moved to different area and outcome eventually no formal action, return to substantive post, mediation to smooth process.

Attended mediation, new manager and me plus two mediators. New manager did not really engage and brought new issues but tentative agreement reached so I awaited date for return.

Big boss then comes to me and takes me into the office, mediation has failed, therefore you are refused return to your post, it will be advertised asap but you are still suspended.

Hands me letter stating I have agreed to above and to meet to agree where I will be placed long term asap. I email disputing letter, copy hr and harassment continues with email from big boss stating I know current duties not a post so unsustainable going forward.

During above events I approached lead mediator to find out whats going on, who turns out to be new senior hr person for our section (!!!) who now suggests three way facilitated meeting to resolve outstanding issues and also tells me union rep not previously involved has approached hr following mediation stating other party approached them and is now saying I am intimidating them and feels unable to attend further meeting at the moment. Turns out both mediators hr managers, however representation not allowed during mediation and it is supposed to be confidential and without prejudice. Facilitated meeting above would be with representation, but needs agreement.

HR then replied to my email disputing letter, HR now saying no further one to one between me and big boss, suggested options are meeting with big boss, hr mediator person, me and union rep (different one who is leading my case but is good mates with above union rep) to discuss letter or submit grievance for further investigation, they are awaiting response from me.

I have said I will respond to above. But am working with the above union rep as part of my alternative duties (which I have continued with as no other option at present) and this person has now told me they are line managing me "whilst this is all sorted out" no other explanation of how this came about or any written information given. I asked if representing other person but states only giving advice to both of us.

It is all a big mess I know, I have some ideas but appreciate any comments or advice on next steps please?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

What were you suspended for exactly?

starlight123456

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

What were you suspended for exactly?

New manager raised several "incidents / concerns" about me behind my back (ie no mention at the time) which if true would have been very serious.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

And they were?

starlight123456

Funky_Bold_Ribena wrote: »

And they were?

Not relevant. Sorry not prepared to go into further detail about that on a public forum.

The main point is they have been investigated, no further action required.

sharp910sh

Well if its true then give up. If not then fight.

starlight123456

sharp910sh wrote: »

Well if its true then give up. If not then fight.

The allegations are not true.

Any suggestions on how to fight?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

starlight123456 wrote: »

The allegations are not true.

Any suggestions on how to fight?

Fight what?

paulineb_2

Get some impartial advice from union reps who arent employed by the company and ask that mediation is done independently, with people who arent your HR managers, that would be a starting point

And have a look at ACAS policies on grievance, investigation, bullying and harassment and disciplinary.

starlight123456

paulineb wrote: »

Get some impartial advice from union reps who arent employed by the company and ask that mediation is done independently, with people who arent your HR managers, that would be a starting point

And have a look at ACAS policies on grievance, investigation, bullying and harassment and disciplinary.

Thankyou Pauline that sounds like good advice.

Do you have any tips about raising a grievance?

starlight123456

Last week may have only been a short week due to the bank holiday, but was another week from hell.

Every day there is something, literally. Another email or letter from the Big Boss (BB) and as a result I am feeling very distressed to the point of seriously considering contacting the Police about this harassment. If it wasn't so serious it may actually be quite funny as the stuff being written is outrageous! All pure lies and subjective opinion dressed up as "fact". There are also many contradictions in the story with a lot of unnecessary detail.

So, I have submitted a written complaint to HR stating I would be prepared to consider three way mediation but this serious situation is now causing me great concern. I have stated that this continued suspension is detrimental and asked that it be reviewed.

BB's Boss then summoned me to discuss my complaint on Friday afternoon, we had a chat about it and then HR also came in on the meeting. They want clarification on whether I am going informal or formal and whether this is a grievance or under dignity at work and gave me copies of both policies.

BB's Boss has demanded a list of questions from me that I want answers to by Monday morning.

Thing is, I am not sure that is reasonable and as I don't know what is going on it is difficult to come up with also I am not sure they are dealing with this as it should be dealt with.

I basically just went through what I have said in my complaint letter with them and feel they are trying to get out of dealing with it at all but did not say that at the time.

I forgot to mention to them that I have a day off scheduled tomorrow but will ring the HR person to say this and discuss where we are up to so they don't say I haven't got back to them.

Any advice?