Worry making me ill, help please

prestonlass

sorry if i seem a bit thick but how can they prove it was you, i assume you go by a username and not your personal one. Can see how they would have a problem if you have been posting from work but not from home. I would deny all and accuse the jobsworth who has tracked you down of trying to trouble make.

ejones666

prestonlass wrote: »

sorry if i seem a bit thick but how can they prove it was you, i assume you go by a username and not your personal one. Can see how they would have a problem if you have been posting from work but not from home. I would deny all and accuse the jobsworth who has tracked you down of trying to trouble make.

They have looked at all previous posts where I have made personal comments and I stupidly put in my location. I was caught off guard when questioned, and have already said it was me.

kittiej

We had to sign for a letter regarding this very issue where I work.

Have you had to do anything like this?

Maybe you could argue there were no defined rules regarding this where you work.

Good luck eh x.

ejones666

kittiej wrote: »

We had to sign for a letter regarding this very issue where I work.

Have you had to do anything like this?

Maybe you could argue there were no defined rules regarding this where you work.

Good luck eh x.

Exactly! If there were defined rules, I would adhere to them however, there aren't. May I ask what sort of letter you were asked to sign? Does it cover all web forums or just certain ones?

kittiej

Sorry e, just went to look downstairs cos I thought I had the letter. I must have left it at work.

Basically it said that when we post on the net regarding anything to do with work or colleagues it should not be derogatory to the company or anything that could be construed as racist, sexist, ageist etc.

It specifically mentioned certain social networking sites as well as anywhere else.

It did say it was fine for us to post positive comments about the company surprisingly!

Have you said anything positive about your employer?

Could you say it was a counterbalance?

RadoJo

I think the onus should be on your comapny to prove that what you said could damage their reputation, cause financial loss or otherwise harm the business if they want to pursue this matter. The consequences (or even potential consequences) should be weighed up to ascertain whether your actions mean a policy review is needed, or whether it was serious enough to take it further. From what you have said, it sounds as though this is not the case, so if they do 'go after' you, try to make sure someone puts in writing what the actual effects have been. If you are called into a meeting, make sure you have someone else with you as well - that way, you won't let your nerves and worry get on top of you and forget anything that was said, or think you might have misheard or misinterpreted something.

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry, as that won't achieve anything. Instead, think of all the possible arguments they could use against you, and try to prepare a reasoned reponse, just so that you don't feel nervous at the idea of being asked questions and can start to think about it objectively and clearly.

Keeping_Motivated

Hi it sounds like some of your worry is the 'not knowing'. When we know what we are dealing with we can make decisions, take steps forward, take action etc but when we don't know what is happening we feel out of control. I may be wrong but I think this is what is making the situation all the more worse?

There is a website www.acas.org.uk that has alot of information on employment rights etc and you can also call their helpline. Maybe if you find out some facts on what you have done being ok or wrong and what steps you should take next etc it might alleviate some of the worry. I know its scary but try and channel the worry into action like you have already done by posting on here for advice.

Good luck

ejones666

kittiej wrote: »

Sorry e, just went to look downstairs cos I thought I had the letter. I must have left it at work.

Basically it said that when we post on the net regarding anything to do with work or colleagues it should not be derogatory to the company or anything that could be construed as racist, sexist, ageist etc.

It specifically mentioned certain social networking sites as well as anywhere else.

It did say it was fine for us to post positive comments about the company surprisingly!

Have you said anything positive about your employer?

Could you say it was a counterbalance?

All my posts were positive!
The thing is, I posted a comment about something going on within an industry that is widely talked about & critisised on this site. My co. has done something positive but they obviously don't want me to 'spread the good news'!

ejones666

Keeping_Motivated wrote: »

Hi it sounds like some of your worry is the 'not knowing'. When we know what we are dealing with we can make decisions, take steps forward, take action etc but when we don't know what is happening we feel out of control. I may be wrong but I think this is what is making the situation all the more worse?

You are not wrong there! I just wish I could take control of the situation, but for the timebeing, it is out of my hands. However, it takes things like this to show you just who your friends really are. I have had so many messages of support, that I cry every time I receive a nice text!
Thanks for the website info, I will have a good read later.

belfastgirl23

This is pretty miserable.

It sounds to me like they're trying to give you (and everyone else) a good scare. If it's a big company they will have fairly clear guidelines for when it's appropriate to give someone a written warning or sack them. I'd guess the area of social networking is still under advisement. My own personal feeling is that for them to sack you (and risk a potential unfair dismissal case) you would need to have said something pretty terrible and/or defamatory. Particularly if all your comments were posted in your own time then I would think that sacking is unlikely although they might give you a written warning.

In your shoes I'd say that I thought what I posted was a positive comment, that I wasn't aware that doing so was wrong in any way and that I'm truly sorry for any problems caused for the company. I've really appreciated working for them and would very much like to continue doing so. I'd also undertake not to do this again. I'd also very much keep the discussion to any instances where you directly mention the company since other posts are private and not really any business of your employer.

But try not to worry too much...also while it is def useful to talk to your union rep I wouldn't want to get too legal too soon...

PS do you know the process from here? Have you had a formal letter or just an informal talk? Do you have a date scheduled for a formal meeting?