False accusation of gross misconduct

Mr.Generous

When I worked in a shop behind a counter many years ago it was almost impossible not to occasionally brush against or have some kind of bodily contact with a colleague. It was behind the record counter at Woolworths for those old enough to remember it. On the run up to Christmas we'd have 5 staff and only 3 tills, my goodness, not only have I been assaulted numerous times but I have also undoubtedly assaulted colleagues on numerous occasions. You had to dive in to key your sale before someone else did, snooze you loose. One staff member was of a portly and substantial build, and had what I can only describe as gargantuan Zeppelin shaped breasts. She was quite old (bear in mind I was 16,17 at the time so at least 40!!) and appeared completely unaware that when I was using the till and she was waiting she rested her Zeppelins on my arm all the time. Trust me, it wasn't a pleasant experience, if some of the other girls had I wouldn't have complained, but the hot ones never did!!

Does this mean I have been sexually assaulted and am scarred for life? Can I get some compo?

Sorry to make light of it OP but this girl is a bl00dy liability, I would be very reluctant to ever work with her again. What on earth would happen if he bumped into her in the stockroom by mistake?? Glad its sorted but she sounds like a complete fruit cake.

SpideressUK

TBagpuss wrote: »

What specific safeguards is he suggesting, and what was their response to his suggestion? Is he planning to make a formal complaint about her making false allegations?

No formal complaint. WRT safeguards, in her case if she comes to give him change she needs to stay the opposite side of the counter. If they are to work side by side there needs to be some kind of counter/till divider thing. If he wants to get out she will have to completely move from the area so he has clear passage with no risk of "brushing by her" as he tries to squeeze out, that kind of thing. The main one is at end of shift when she comes to take over from him, she normally comes alone. He will need to leave the CCTV covered area and walk a minute across the shop with her in the premises and they may be alone if no customer is in. He will be asking his manager what safeguards there can be for him there at that time ie potentially increasing CCTV coverage or having her accompanied as she takes him off shift. They seem to be accepting of his suggestions though I do not think he has covered his end of shift issue yet but he has been told if he has any concerns he can phone the manager.

themull1

Why hasn't she been sacked.

ohreally

themull1 wrote: »

Why hasn't she been sacked.

The boss is banging her.

xapprenticex

themull1 wrote: »

Why hasn't she been sacked.

Come on m8..... you know that wont be happening. They probably gave her a friendly nod and told her she did good reporting it but on this occasion they unfortunately have to side with OP husband.

SpideressUK

themull1 wrote: »

Why hasn't she been sacked.

We presume it is because she seems to genuinely believe she has been the victim of assault and as such would have a legitimate right to complain.

SpideressUK

Mr.Generous wrote: »

When I worked in a shop behind a counter many years ago it was almost impossible not to occasionally brush against or have some kind of bodily contact with a colleague. It was behind the record counter at Woolworths for those old enough to remember it. On the run up to Christmas we'd have 5 staff and only 3 tills, my goodness, not only have I been assaulted numerous times but I have also undoubtedly assaulted colleagues on numerous occasions. You had to dive in to key your sale before someone else did, snooze you loose. One staff member was of a portly and substantial build, and had what I can only describe as gargantuan Zeppelin shaped breasts. She was quite old (bear in mind I was 16,17 at the time so at least 40!!) and appeared completely unaware that when I was using the till and she was waiting she rested her Zeppelins on my arm all the time. Trust me, it wasn't a pleasant experience, if some of the other girls had I wouldn't have complained, but the hot ones never did!!

Does this mean I have been sexually assaulted and am scarred for life? Can I get some compo?

Sorry to make light of it OP but this girl is a bl00dy liability, I would be very reluctant to ever work with her again. What on earth would happen if he bumped into her in the stockroom by mistake?? Glad its sorted but she sounds like a complete fruit cake.

That did give me a laugh - I imagined 'Kevin' played by Harry Enfield in that situation and the kind of faces he would be making :rotfl:

Masomnia

'Company sacks female worker after she reports alleged sexual assault' is not a headline any company wants.

It's unfortunate for your husband but I think that's the long and short of it.

I'm glad he's been exonerated.

annandale

The allegation wasn't of sexual assault. It was that he hit her. And they wouldn't need to sack her. They could give her a warning. Which would be deserved as far as I'm concerned

SpideressUK

annandale wrote: »

The allegation wasn't of sexual assault. It was that he hit her. And they wouldn't need to sack her. They could give her a warning. Which would be deserved as far as I'm concerned

I think she may now feel uncomfortable in the workplace as (inspite of no one supposed to be talking about it) it appears the news of why my husband was suspended was around on the "grapevine" within 30 minutes. She now has to face the fact that he will be back in work and whilst he will not "talk on the grapevine" as such his very presence indicates what most (if not all) his colleagues already knew about him....that he would not do something like that....so everyone will be aware of what she has put him through and may not think so highly of her. This "loss of face" for her may be more effective than a formal company warning.