Suspended - help please

quietheart

Hi Riverstar
Sorry you are having such a hard time.
My workplace has done similar things. There have been a number of over zealous investigations with people suspended on full pay, most come back after a month or so and they're not allowed to talk about it. The investigation stays on file for 1 yr though so may have to be declared if you apply for another job.
I would suggest that you take a colleague in to any future meetings especially as their notes weren't complete or comprehensive. You always have the right to take in a union rep or colleague. That colleague cannot be discriminated against for taking the role. At least then it's not just your word against theres.
You have been there over 2 years so if it did come to a dismissal you have the right to claim unfair dismissal.
Sounds like really bad management to me. It's so depressing and unnecessary. Do hope you don't get massed around for long.
Best of luck,

RiverStar

Shazza122 wrote: »

It's hell. I have never been through anything so utterly soul destroying in my life but I'm starting to put the pieces back together slowly.

Fight with everything you've got....I can't promise you'll get the outcome you hope for but fight it all the way!!!

Thanks for that. I intend to fight. I haven't worked hard for nearly 5 years to see it all thrown away for this reason, if l can help it.

What outcome did you have, was it the one you hoped for?

RiverStar

quietheart wrote: »

Hi Riverstar
Sorry you are having such a hard time.
My workplace has done similar things. There have been a number of over zealous investigations with people suspended on full pay, most come back after a month or so and they're not allowed to talk about it. The investigation stays on file for 1 yr though so may have to be declared if you apply for another job.
I would suggest that you take a colleague in to any future meetings especially as their notes weren't complete or comprehensive. You always have the right to take in a union rep or colleague. That colleague cannot be discriminated against for taking the role. At least then it's not just your word against theres.
You have been there over 2 years so if it did come to a dismissal you have the right to claim unfair dismissal.
Sounds like really bad management to me. It's so depressing and unnecessary. Do hope you don't get massed around for long.
Best of luck,

Hi quietheart,

I agree. It was so unneccessary to do this, when a word of warning would have been enough.

I hope it is resolved soon too, thanks

Torry_Quine

RiverStar wrote: »

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Nobody said it was during a break although using a work computer is still wrong.[/QUOTE

Torry, most of the emails would be sent during a break...
Ok, l accept l really really shouldn't, but to suspend over a few emails seems ridiculous.

I did say I thought it was harsh for a first time.

PHILANTHROPIST wrote: »

RiverStar wrote: »

TorryQuine may be taking the michael.

If not, the member's posts must be based on that famous, but now outdated, employment law textbook - " Working Practices from the Dickensian era " ...... (not that there were emails in the mid 19th century, but you'll get my meaning)

I'm not and truly do think that during working hours only work related activities should be undertaken.

Shazza122

Hi River, unfortunately not as I was dismissed for gross misconduct. I am appealing the decision but not holding out much hope. However I would say the circumstances were much different to you so it won't necessarily go the same way...

quietheart

just as a sideline, are you being treated differently to other staff? do you know of others who have used the email system for personal use? not to name and shame them but to show the ludicrous over reaction?
don't over explain, don't say too much, stick to the facts and make it clear you won't roll over and accept it.
read this, you don't need to spell out straight away what they are doing wrong but the more they don't follow the correct procedures the better case you can compile against them if you need to appeal. https://www.gov.uk/disciplinary-procedures-and-action-at-work/disciplinary-hearings

RiverStar

quietheart wrote: »

just as a sideline, are you being treated differently to other staff? do you know of others who have used the email system for personal use? not to name and shame them but to show the ludicrous over reaction?
don't over explain, don't say too much, stick to the facts and make it clear you won't roll over and accept it.
read this, you don't need to spell out straight away what they are doing wrong but the more they don't follow the correct procedures the better case you can compile against them if you need to appeal. https://www.gov.uk/disciplinary-procedures-and-action-at-work/disciplinary-hearings

Hi
I couldn't say if other staff are using it too but would guess they are. My thoughts are its the temp manager whos trying to gain brownie points..

At the moment I've just returned they edited minutes and am watching how thry are proceeding because so far they dont seem to know their own policies.

Am l right in thinking that the accuser cant be the same person carryinf out thr investigation, do you know?

RiverStar

Shazza122 wrote: »

Hi River, unfortunately not as I was dismissed for gross misconduct. I am appealing the decision but not holding out much hope. However I would say the circumstances were much different to you so it won't necessarily go the same way...

Oh, I'm sorry Shazza. I really hope you win your appeal and get a better job with a better company. Seems impossible these days though, its a job in itself finding a job!

All this doesn't make you want to go the extra mile in your job, doesnt it. In fact, the ones who do less and stick rigidly to their jd are better thought of.

thegrind

Lets just for a moment in the interest of "perspective" replace the word "email" with "bog-roll".

1) Your company has suspended you on full pay for misuse of the company bog-roll facilities.

2) The company provides all employees with bog-roll and has a policy in place as to its use, you say that you only used the bog-roll sparingly during your break with your partner.

3) How can excessive use of bog-roll be measured? Is the company monitoring the other employees use of bog-roll? Does the use of your personal bog-roll cause distraction or offence to other bog-rollers?

4) The company needs to have a fair policy as to what amount of personal bog-roll use is acceptable if any and cannot simply make an example of you because they caught you.

See how stupid that sounds?

A few personal emails (excluding offensive, derogatory content) should be allowed.

It doesn't cost the company money to send an email but it does to provide toilet paper, water, heating, lighting etc. yet they have no policy to their misuse? These utilities are misused more than any in UK offices and cost the company a lot more money than sending an email. Unless your not doing your required duties as the company sets out in your work time and sending personal emails, fair enough.

Sounds like someone doesn't like you there and wants you out. Maybe for cost saving or to get an acquaintance into your job???

I would be using this time to set up a plan B with employment and try to get an interview.

RiverStar

Torry_Quine wrote: »

RiverStar wrote: »

I did say I thought it was harsh for a first time.

PHILANTHROPIST wrote: »

I'm not and truly do think that during working hours only work related activities should be undertaken.

TorryQuine,
I understand where you are coming from and l will not be using said email system for personal use again. It is not worth the grief.
I hope they will accept an apology as after all l have a clean record so far.

On a side note - l see in your signature you quoted from Diana Gabaldon's book Fiery Cross. She's one of my favourite authors.
At least we agree on something lol!