Suspended - Ride it out or leave now?

teamcullen

Hi guys

I'll try and keep this as brief as possible. Last week I was suspended on allegations of releasing calls. A guy was basically monitoring me and a call dropped due to signal, he accused me of releasing it, took straight into a meeting and suspended. Anyway it's been found that I was correct all along. They then found seven other calls I'd released and because I'd never noted the accounts (never been told to or pulled on this in three and a half years) I've been suspended whilst the investigation took place.

Now they're investigating and I've been asked to attend work tomorrow (which would've been my day off) to ask me more questions. The Operations Manager told me it was nothing to worry about and I just needed to sign some stuff and be asked more questions. Then when I probed further he also stated that there would probably be a hearing soon about it.

Now as far as I'm aware if there's a hearing that means they have evidence of something of which would result in dismissal. Would it be better for me to leave now or ride it out? As I know if they have a hearing I won't stand a chance.

LutonGirl

Wouldn't it be better to hear what they think they have on you before chucking in the towel? I know others with knowledge of employment law will be along shortly to give you some constructive advice. If I were you I'd want to know what the allegations were and put my side of the story.

From your post I assume you work in a call centre and there are set rules on how to handle calls. You've answered, the call has been lost because of poor reception, but you're being accused of deliberately ending the call.

teamcullen

Thanks for your reply.

I've spoken to ACAS today who have subsequently advised me that it could be seen as victimisation having an investigation conducted into something they wouldn't normally have done considering the original allegation was false. Of course, I'm not happy that I wasn't believed in the first instance by them. The seven released calls were from over 450 so far this month.
I've never been trained in the whole time whilst working there that I must notepad every account with a released call when it happens, it's only now after their allegation this has came to light this is something I should have done.

ohreally

teamcullen wrote: »

Now they're investigating and I've been asked to attend work tomorrow (which would've been my day off) to ask me more questions.

It still is your d/o, inform them of this and have it rescheduled.

teamcullen wrote: »

Now as far as I'm aware if there's a hearing that means they have evidence of something of which would result in dismissal.

No, a hearing means the're going on a fishing expedition to attempt to build a case against you.

teamcullen wrote: »

I know if they have a hearing I won't stand a chance.

Why is this?

teamcullen

Point 1. They wanted me to go in on Saturday instead which would have been my day in work, so I'd rather it was out of the way now.

Point 2. Because back in January I made some comments in a forum, which resulted in me being investigated and subsequently given a second written warning (bypassing the first) along with all of my bonus taken from me for two months. It was common knowledge that everyone was doing the same practise but I've been made to be the scapegoat for it all. I even gave rock solid names of people who had done the same thing but they have refused to investigate them. So I kind of get the impression anything they will find, they will want me out.

ohreally

teamcullen wrote: »

Because back in January I made some comments in a forum, which resulted in me being investigated and subsequently given a second written warning (bypassing the first) along with all of my bonus taken from me for two months. It was common knowledge that everyone was doing the same practise but I've been made to be the scapegoat for it all. I even gave rock solid names of people who had done the same thing but they have refused to investigate them. So I kind of get the impression anything they will find, they will want me out.

So you joined a union in the intervening time!

Why was two months bonus with-held and does provision exist for them to do this?

teamcullen

I haven't joined a union as they are not recognised in our place of work. We have these employee rep guys who are voted in who already work for the place who are the people to seek guidance from.

The two months bonus was withheld as I'd contravened the terms of the bonus policy, as did about eight other people (and this is just on my team never mind the whole three sites we operate in) yet I was the only one from everyone punished. As if they were setting an example. Now obviously this is two seperate issues but after having an unblemished record at work for three years up until three months ago when all of this started, I'm starting to feel like they're out to just get rid of me.

Another thing my manager consistently criticises me for in 1-2-1's is the fact I can be negative, when in actual fact I'm presenting a constructive argument as to why things are happening or changing and seeking reasons behind it. He sees this as me being negative for voicing an opinion and seeking clarity.
When the guy called me today he said 'X says you were agressive in your investigation meeting and continually swore' Now anyone who knows me knows I don't swear, I say beep rather than swearing however at no point said this either!

All in all it just feels like they want me out!

93123

I have no advice to offer other than I feel sorry that they're treating you this way. They sound GREAT to work for...

harrys_dad

They should have a disciplinary policy that explains procedures they need to follow. If they do not follow procedures any dismissal is automatically unfair. Ask for a copy of the disciplinary policy straigt away, and do not attend a meeting until you have it. it should also detail how allegations of misconduct are investigated. Take a fellow worker/rep into the meeting with you.

sofaspud1234

I feel for you, they sound awful to work for and appear out to get you. Stick it out, best of luck.

teamcullen

You wouldn't believe this is one of the biggest companies in the UK doing this would you?

Everyone I have spoken to so far has said to attend the investigation meeting tomorrow and raise the point of feeling victimised as their original allegation was unfounded. Due to this and the fact they are investigating with no just cause, every member of staff should be investigated for the same thing.

Tomorrow I plan to write notes of what I plan to say after I've answered all of their questions and then also state that if this cannot be resolved informally then I feel my role is untenable due to the way I have been treated and move to the formal grievance role and constructive dismissal. (already had an informal email in regards to everything, they've made out there is no problem and offered me a mediated meeting with the guy who made the call releasing allegations as an attempt to resolve it)