Resign or get sacked? my chioce!

Takeaway_Addict

Are they going to make it clear the reasons for the dismissal? If they are going to make it clear that the dismissal was for breaking protocal and not for grooming or alike then I would go down the dismissal route because if you resign surely the rumour mill will be in full force and as such I would be more worried about being labelled something incorrectly by the general public.

jacques_chirac

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

If you just resign will it still stay on your record, or is he trying to get a trade off where a reference won't state that you left whilst under investigation

Such a compromise would not be possible in a safeguarding issue.

wiogs

Clearly, from what the OP says, there is and was no grooming so nothing illegal actually happened, it is the misuse of facebook that is the issue, apparently.

Is that regarded as misconduct or gross misconduct? The OP will know.

I'm not suggesting that others be dragged into this but if it is custom and practice that other employees contact pupils then dismissing the OP could result in a can of worms being opened.

stevepal

It's purely a matter of breaking safeguarding procedures, not the grooming allegations, as the police cleared me of them. I can look anyone in the eye and tell them I've been unbelievably stupid, but with no intent at all. I'm expecting the sack, I wanted to leave anyway as its a poorly paid poorly administered job (I'm on less than 15K), but maybe not this way. I've just got to placate this union rep for now while I still need his support.

jacques_chirac

stevepal wrote: »

It's purely a matter of breaking safeguarding procedures, not the grooming allegations, as the police cleared me of them. I can look anyone in the eye and tell them I've been unbelievably stupid, but with no intent at all. I'm expecting the sack, I wanted to leave anyway as its a poorly paid poorly administered job (I'm on less than 15K), but maybe not this way. I've just got to placate this union rep for now while I still need his support.

Honestly, this is far too important to be taking advice from anyone other than an independent solicitor. If not handled correctly this could follow you around for years.

Dimey

stevepal wrote: »

It's purely a matter of breaking safeguarding procedures, not the grooming allegations, as the police cleared me of them. I can look anyone in the eye and tell them I've been unbelievably stupid, but with no intent at all. I'm expecting the sack, I wanted to leave anyway as its a poorly paid poorly administered job (I'm on less than 15K), but maybe not this way. I've just got to placate this union rep for now while I still need his support.

The Union rep won't be looking for a new career with you if it all goes (more) horribly wrong.

You can always look for a better paid job once you've cleared this matter up and re-built a track record to be proud of . Thereby ensuring good references.

I really urge you to get qualified legal advice. You can still be polite to the Union rep but firm that you need legal assistance.

stevepal

I'll check with my home insurance, I'm sure they advertise free legal assistance. I'm all done working for other people now, really. I've wanted to work for myself for some time, but never had the circumstances to go for it, maybe this is it?

Takeaway_Addict

jacques_chirac wrote: »

Honestly, this is far too important to be taking advice from anyone other than an independent solicitor. If not handled correctly this could follow you around for years.

Agree with this.

Dimey

stevepal wrote: »

I'll check with my home insurance, I'm sure they advertise free legal assistance. I'm all done working for other people now, really. I've wanted to work for myself for some time, but never had the circumstances to go for it, maybe this is it?

Good idea. Some solicitors offer a first half hour consultation free.

You can find an employment specialist near you by phoning the Law Society....
Tel: 020 7320 5650 Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:30.
Email: [EMAIL="findasolicitor@lawsociety.org.uk"]findasolicitor@lawsociety.org.uk[/EMAIL]

nimbo

stevepal wrote: »

It's purely a matter of breaking safeguarding procedures, not the grooming allegations, as the police cleared me of them. I can look anyone in the eye and tell them I've been unbelievably stupid, but with no intent at all. I'm expecting the sack, I wanted to leave anyway as its a poorly paid poorly administered job (I'm on less than 15K), but maybe not this way. I've just got to placate this union rep for now while I still need his support.

when it comes to dismissal - they don't need evidence as far as I am aware. The police would have to prove 'beyond reasonable' doubt...

When working with children all safeguarding issues (or potential issues) have to be taken very seriously. They need no proof of grooming, they have to look at the probability of it happening again (at this point I mean the contact)...

Was communication through facebook with a student happening on a school facebook page or yours? If it is a school wide one then there is a good case you could argue why have the YP on it as friends if it isn't there to contact them, and give them updates - HOWEVER if it is yours you are skating on very thin ice. We as students have been urged to cut all ties to facebook - and the message f never 'friending' a service user is virtually rammed down our throats as it can lead to such huge issues.

Is the communication classed as gross misconduct?

GET LEGAL ADVICE - I am sure the union rep is lovely but speak to a speacialist - take them your contract let them talk you through this.