Is this grounds for summary dismissal?

Hardware23

I have my own business and a long-serving employee has been spreading malicious gossip concerning my personal life to other members of staff and customers. Among these ridiculous claims is that I have been hiring male escorts and engaging in inappropriate activities with them at the back of my shop. This is a figment of his (sordid) imagination and I would like to know if I have grounds for his instant dismissal.

Takeaway_Addict

Can you prove this?

RuthnJasper

I'm sure others with better information will be along soon - but I'd say yes; it IS grounds for dismissal (if you have good proof of his allegations and the inaccuracy of them) and, should you wish to take this route, legal action for malicious slander/defamation. See here - http://www.contactlaw.co.uk/areasoflaw-defamationlaw.html.

It all sounds very unpleasant; hope you get it sorted quickly OP.

Southend1

Hardware23 wrote: »

I have my own business and a long-serving employee has been spreading malicious gossip concerning my personal life to other members of staff and customers. Among these ridiculous claims is that I have been hiring male escorts and engaging in inappropriate activities with them at the back of my shop. This is a figment of his (sordid) imagination and I would like to know if I have grounds for his instant dismissal.

Rather than sack him why don't you just laugh at him? He's obviously a bit of a sad individual.

dacouch

Can you not tell everyone it can't have been you, as you're into DIY.

getmore4less

Read up on the dismisal process even for gross misconduct.

Consider hiring a HR consultant to do the investigation.


you want to avoid all potential for a claim against you.

Savvy_Sue

What does it say in your disciplinary and grievance procedure about the grounds for summary dismissal? Ours gives examples of what might be covered by gross misconduct, but the list is not exhaustive.

heretolearn_2

When did he start working for you? This effects how much protection he/you have against an unfair dismissal.

But yes, I'd say this could be gross misconduct on the basis of bringing the business/employer into disrepute.

Hardware23

I took over an existing business 18 months ago. The employee concerned had been working for the business for the previous 11 years. He has developed an infatuation with me and has recently been bombarding my other employees with his misguided thoughts on my private life whenever I am out of earshot. I presume this is his attempt to justify my lack of interest in him - although as he is 20 years older than me (71!) it should not come as such a surprise. This is making all our working lives very difficult and whilst the other 4 staff members are aware that he has become obsessed and know what he says is untrue I am concerned they will leave as a result and also that my reputation within the locality will be tarnished.

paulineb_2

Have you actually heard him say any of this? Directly. I would be very wary of going down the route of instant dismissal based on the say so of some other people working for the company.

For all you know it could be the other 4 people wanting rid of him and trying to find a way to do so and you might think that you know people well and they would never do that.

But unless I heard something said about me directly, I certainly wouldnt instantly fire someone on the basis of other people gossiping, because thats what they are doing.

If you have a conversation that needs to be had, have it with this person directly.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Why haven't you addressed this before? You definitely need to take him through the gross misconduct route and get rid.