Suspended from work

basketcase

Leefire1 said:

Leefire1 said:

Someone at work told my boss they had smelled alcohol on me in a lift. I had used mouth wash. They searched my bag found toothpaste and suggested it was to hide the smell. I have dental problems and have medication. I also suffer from anxiety and people have before thought my behaviour to be unusual. They also said they have followed me into a toilet and I was just having a minute as I was anxious. They said I didn't wash my hands. Is this allowed? I have been suspended pending investigation 

I don't work with food as some have suggested I work in IT. I have provided dental appointments,  dental medication,  anxiety medication. They told me they had deliberately followed me into the toilet but I wasn't doing anything other than trying to compose my anxiety. Today they have said that other people have come forward saying they think I might of had a drink. But again it's wrong and it hurts me deeply to see my colleagues whom some I've known for years could be so wrong about me. I unfortunately have went through a divorce, moved house, had false allegations from my ex. Its been alot just keeping it together and now I think I may loose my job. Should I resign or feel I may be sacked. Any advice is greatly appreciated at this time. 

I don't have current knowledge of the rights of employees with anxiety and how they might affect the ability of an employer to fire them, so I won't comment. But someone amongst the good people on the site will be and may be able to help.

You've obviously been through a lot recently. I don't know if you've spoken about your situation to anybody. My daughter suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and depression, so I know this can be hard to do. At first she felt a complete failure and viewed everything she - or anyone else - did or didn't do, might be thinking etc in the most negative light. And, as happens, the negative thoughts fed off each other.

Do your employers know about it and how it may be affecting how you behave? Do they know you're currently on medication to treat anxiety? Have you mentioned it to your colleagues? I ask because if they've known you for years and this behaviour is new but they don't know the cause that might explain why they "wonder if you've turned to drink to cope"! It may be nothing more sinister than that.

As @fatbelly suggests, Try to engage with the process positively. Take the opportunity to set the record straight, explain what's really going on, get the support from your employer that they're obligated to give you (if you don't already it). Go in there determined to work with them to sort this out.

Get it down in writing that you've been through a lot and it's triggered anxiety, which you do realise is causing you to act out of your usual character. Make it plain that you can see why people might suspect alcohol, but it's anxiety that's causing the differences. You're taking anti-anxiety medication to control it, but you'd really appreciate their support in putting a plan into place.

If it works, things will improve.
If it doesn't? You've lost nothing and will at least have written proof that you were willing to work on getting better but they weren't.

General_Grant

Leefire1 said:

Will it effect a possible claim for unfair dismissal if I resign? 
I think I should resign so they will give me a reference is that the case? 
Any help greatfully appreciated 

Unless you work in specific industries (which I believe you do not), there is no legal obligation on an employer ever to give a reference.
Sometimes references can be negotiated but you are not in a strong position to do that.
Just co-operate with the process - at least you are being paid.

Juliette100

Depends on your policies. If you agree to a search then they are within their rights but I suspect you did not and if that is the case they would have breach trust and confidence.  Again if your handbook says they can suspend then they are allowed but they should only do this under certain conditions and as a last resort. Any suspension should be paid.