Disciplinary Investigation Meeting...?

jamesknowles

Hi,

I joined a company around 4months ago and I travel to get there around 2hrs each way.
The job basically required me to work on site for my companies client.

Every week I am suppose to complete a timesheet and I am suppose to complete 37.5hrs a week.

On a daily basis especially the last 2 months, I reach work after 9am and I mostly leave the office by 3:30pm (I skip lunch) so I get in time to see my baby son before he sleeps but I work off my phone and remotely.

I make sure all my tasks are on top of, I believed until this email that the client was happy with my work as I work and I always make time for the customer whether it be a phone call in the morning at 8am or a call after 5pm.

Today I received an email stating I have a Disciplinary Investigation Meeting for Alleged issues with time keeping, possible dishonesty and fraudulent claiming for hours not worked; breaching code of ethics with regards to accurately recording and charging labour.

My contract states my hours of work are 9-5:30pm however flexible working can be agreed with the manager, which he was happy with me to as long as I completed 37.5hrs in a week.

I have had a word with HR and they said they have had to hold this meeting due to a complaint from the client and they have to follow process.

What are the likely chances if they do find discrepancies within my time keeping that they would sack me for it and do I have any grounds to appeal if they did?

I initially asked if my client could be present at the hearing as I honestly thought I was keeping the customer happy as I make sure the customers are well looked after and go beyond helping them every time. However it seems he is the one who has made the complaint so this has really baffled me.

I have had no warnings, hints or anything in the last 4 months...

Any advise on this matter would be of a great help.

Thanks

Takeaway_Addict

As you have not worked there for 2 years you are at the behest of the employer, they can dismiss you for pretty much anything that isn't discriminatory in the eyes of the law (gender, race etc) or for standing up for a statutory right (NMW etc)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but at least HR are being positive.

Was it clearly explained that you were meant to be at work for those times and not driving to and from the place? I can understand teh client being annoyed if they expect someone there at those times.

jamesknowles

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

As you have not worked there for 2 years you are at the behest of the employer, they can dismiss you for pretty much anything that isn't discriminatory in the eyes of the law (gender, race etc) or for standing up for a statutory right (NMW etc)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but at least HR are being positive.

Was it clearly explained that you were meant to be at work for those times and not driving to and from the place? I can understand teh client being annoyed if they expect someone there at those times.

Well as I work on the clients site all was arranged through online training which every employee has to go through. I had a rushed hand over period as the previous employee retired and they didn't recruit until the last minute.

What chances are they will dismiss me for this?

swingaloo

Clearly if the client has complained then you are not available when he needs you to be.

saying you get to work 'after' 9 am and leave 'by' 3.30 suggests you are on site 5.5 -6 hours a day which does not equate to the 37.5 required. Can you prove the time spent working remotely and on your phone? How many hours have you been claiming on your timesheets.

In my job I often have to work through lunch but I cant leave earlier because I do that.

I suppose it all boils down to whether or not you can justify your time. You are new to the company so they wont take kindly to having an unhappy client.

Takeaway_Addict

jamesknowles wrote: »

Well as I work on the clients site all was arranged through online training which every employee has to go through. I had a rushed hand over period as the previous employee retired and they didn't recruit until the last minute.

What chances are they will dismiss me for this?

Only your employer will know the chances on that I'm afraid.

The problem I see is that if the retiree was there at 8am then the client would expect this of the new person...what did the retiree do timewise?

cte1111

You're clearly not at the client's site for the full 37.5 hours, as you've confirmed you arrive 'after 9' and leave 'before 3.30'. How many hours are you actually present? I think if the client is used to having a full time presence then this kind of timekeeping is bound to make them unhappy.

You are however employed by a third party. What do the company's guidelines state about hours worked / chargeable hours / time spent travelling?

jamesknowles

He basically said to me just make sure you get the work done as he himself did exactly what I was doing however, he retired when a new company took over from the previous one.
Where as I am a new employee to the new company who is a massive global company with much stricter procedures....

Takeaway_Addict

I'd start looking for a new job because surely at best you will get reprimanded and told to be on site between those times which then 4 hours travelling you won't be able to hack for long.

tomtontom

Are you able to safely fulfil your duties whilst driving?

jamesknowles

If it does lead to a dismiss, how badly will this affect me from future jobs?
I have worked for big organisation since ever starting work and I have recently settled down and started a family.
I wouldn't be able to risk a black record against my name if it did turn into a worse case scenario...

jamesknowles

tomtontom wrote: »

Are you able to safely fulfil your duties whilst driving?

I commute via train...