Suspended - theft

lincroft1710

TroubleAhead wrote: »

Not as far as we know - they haven't come knocking anyway.

We were tempted to call them but a post on the consumeractiongroup forum persuaded us otherwise. I'd provide a link but I'm not allowed yet.

So, if they genuinely think your wife is guilty they may be trying to make it easier for her by not having charges brought or they may be trying to smoke the culprit out without involving the police. Or they have realised the police would not be impressed by their lack of security.

TroubleAhead

We haven't heard anything yet, and are still in the dark regarding the reason for the suspension.

Now that the shock has worn off, Jane feels her relationship with the boss has been irreparably damaged, even if she is exonerated. If she can negotiate a good reference she'll hand in her notice.

We thought a polite email to the boss might be the way forward, explaining her feelings, the strain she is under, her concerns about her reputation and her desire to leave while maintaining her innocence. It'd have to be worded carefully so as not to apportion blame.

Obviously he can say yes or no, but are there any other pitfalls with doing this?

SuzieSue

Have you tried ringing the ACAS helpline:

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1410

TroubleAhead

She did call ACAS at the outset, but they couldn't offer much advice at that time. Could they help with negotiating a reference?

SuzieSue

TroubleAhead wrote: »

She did call ACAS at the outset, but they couldn't offer much advice at that time. Could they help with negotiating a reference?

Why couldn't they help? Whenever I've rung them they have been helpful.

You should try them again and hopefully get someone more helpful.

TroubleAhead

I think because at this stage there is no dispute as such. Her employer followed guidelines so we have no complaint unless this becomes a disciplinary matter.

TroubleAhead

There's been a development. The boss asked Jane if they could have an informal chat 'before things go any further' so they met at a neutral location.

He said he's been told by his lawyers to get witness statements and then involve the police, and that this could drag on into the new year.

He suggested that if Jane handed in her notice, he would give her 2 months pay and a favourable reference. Says he needs a decision today.

GlasweJen

TroubleAhead wrote: »

There's been a development. The boss asked Jane if they could have an informal chat 'before things go any further' so they met at a neutral location.

He said he's been told by his lawyers to get witness statements and then involve the police, and that this could drag on into the new year.

He suggested that if Jane handed in her notice, he would give her 2 months pay and a favourable reference. Says he needs a decision today.

How does Jane feel about this?

TroubleAhead

Mixed feelings. She wants to clear her name but the offer is a hell of a lot better than what will happen if she's dismissed.

The boss must be worried about something too, obviously they haven't turned up any problems with the books over the past week. Maybe he's starting to realise she's innocent, who knows.

If she accepts should this be done formally with a settlement agreement?

Missus_Hyde

TroubleAhead wrote: »

Mixed feelings. She wants to clear her name but the offer is a hell of a lot better than what will happen if she's dismissed.

The boss must be worried about something too, obviously they haven't turned up any problems with the books over the past week. Maybe he's starting to realise she's innocent, who knows?

I think it rather depends on how important it is to your wife to clear her name, or be prepared to go quietly for the sake of a good reference and two months pay.

Rather like "The Winslow Boy", I'm afraid I would be so bloody mad that they had accused and branded me as a thief without any concrete evidence, I'd read them the riot act and would tell them I'd see them in court and would not be prepared to make things easy for them. In any case, it would be virtually impossible for your wife to continue to work for them, whatever the outcome, as neither side would have the same trust as before.

But that's me; I don't do appeasement if I think I've been wrongly accused!! :mad: