Suspended from work

Evozz

Hi I need some advice. I was suspended from work last week. A manager took me to the side and said I am suspended with pay.

I got a letter today telling me to come to a "interview" next week with the companies security team to discuss allegations that have been made against me can be discussed.

My question is. This can't be right can it? Aren't they meant to provide me with information and proof of the allegations made against me so that I can come to the meeting prepared with a defence?

All help appreciated.

motorguy

Evozz wrote: »

Hi I need some advice. I was suspended from work last week. A manager took me to the side and said I am suspended with pay.

I got a letter today telling me to come to a "interview" next week with the companies security team to discuss allegations that have been made against me can be discussed.

My question is. This can't be right can it? Aren't they meant to provide me with information and proof of the allegations made against me so that I can come to the meeting prepared with a defence?

All help appreciated.

Presumably its information gathering stage rather than the disciplinary itself?

Cant see any reason why they would fully furnish you with all the information in advance.

If its the security team, then presumably some sort of internet access during working hours, inappropriate emails or accessing files you shouldnt have been?

Surely you've a fair idea why they've done this?

Evozz

I've no idea why I got suspended. And why wouldn't they provide me with the information they have on me? I have a right to know why I have been suspended and what the allegations are.

Evozz

Furthermore how can I come up with a defence if I haven't been shown the evidence agaisnt me. So I am meant to go to a interview and be bombarded with allegations against me without knowing prior?

motorguy

Evozz wrote: »

I've no idea why I got suspended. And why wouldn't they provide me with the information they have on me? I have a right to know why I have been suspended and what the allegations are.

Which you will find out at that meeting.

Ask for a copy of your companys disciplinary procedure

I would say this is a fact finding meeting afterwhich they will proceed to a disciplinary if required.

lincroft1710

How long have you worked there?

motorguy

Found this with a quick google - have a read....

https://www.gov.uk/disciplinary-procedures-and-action-at-work/overview

Specifically section 3...

https://www.gov.uk/disciplinary-procedures-and-action-at-work/disciplinary-hearings

"Your employer shouldn’t take any disciplinary action before meeting with you first and discussing the problem.

This disciplinary meeting (normally called a ‘hearing’) should be at a reasonable time and place.

At the hearing your employer should:

• explain the complaint against you
• go through the evidence
• give you a chance to tell your side of the story

If you raise a significant new fact or issue at the hearing your employer might stop it and look into the issue. They should then rearrange the hearing at a later date."

motorguy

Evozz wrote: »

Furthermore how can I come up with a defence if I haven't been shown the evidence agaisnt me. So I am meant to go to a interview and be bombarded with allegations against me without knowing prior?

They will give you an overview of the complaint / issue, go through the evidence and then ask for your view of events.

You can also take someone with you

Marmaduke123

This happened to a relative. He was left in limbo for quite a while, with no idea why he had been suspended. Although he had done nothing wrong, the nature of the allegations, made by a fellow worker, were such that it was clearly impossible for them to continue working together.

It wasn't well handled by the employer, and in the end he left by agreement and with a good reference.

Incredibly stressful! I hope it works out well for you

ohreally

Its normal to be informed of allegation/s being investigated, I would have expected this to happen at the time of suspension.

Does your employer have a disciplinary policy available to you?

Be guarded and keep your wits about you at the hearing, they will be on a fishing trip. Do you really have no ideas what this is regarding?

If you concede there was misconduct, the investigation may be unnecessary and they may go straight to convening a disciplinary hearing.

tizerbelle

It sounds very much as if this is an investigatory meeting. This means they are trying to get to the facts of the case (whatever that might be - they don't have to tell you at this stage). After the meeting, they will decide if there is a disciplinary case to answer. If there is, you will be invited to a disciplinary meeting and you will be informed of the allegations against you. You will have the right to be accompanied by a TU rep or a work colleague at the disciplinary.

It may be after the investigation, they decide that there isn't a case to answer and your suspension will be lifted without a disciplinary being held.