Suspended

[Leeem]

Hi

I work in a sales role and have been there four years however I've been suspended today for Dereliction of duty, what does this mean?

[PotteringAlong]

It means you left your job when you were meant to be on duty. Have they told you what incident they are are suspending you for?

[Leeem]

No they haven't just the are manager came in with a letter of suspension on full pay and said it's for deriliction of duty. I'm the manager of the store and I'm not aware I had left my duty?

[LIZS]

did you perhaps take time off when you shouldn't, without suitable cover or didn't get it authorised ?

[Leeem]

Erm I think I was lone working to be honest, I'm just confused. They have been no specific. I'm ok thanks just unsure what happens now?

[WallyBantersJunkBox]

Can you think of a time when there wasn't a key holder on duty there, or someone supervising the cash handling process?

Seems strange that you wouldn't have had any warning of this?

[Leeem]

No I've never had a day off sick for the last four years and never gone AWOL- just they are being non specific at present.

[sofuckedup]

they should provide you with evidence of the specific allegations - what exactly does the letter say?

[Leeem]

I had two days off as per rota then came into the shop today, my area mgr gave me a letter and he verbally said about dereliction of duty is the reason. He said I will get a letter tomorrow as to next step??

[Leeem]

The letter states I am suspended on full pay due to breach of company policy.

[CaptainSweatPants]

Was the store adequately covered on your 2 days off?

[Leeem]

Yes by my assistant manager

[PotteringAlong]

How bizarre. Are you a member of a union?

[GirlsonFilm]

You need to ask for details of the allegations so that you can prepare for the disciplinary hearing. You should also ask for a copy of the disciplinary policy. I don't want to worry you but suspension generally comes before a Gross Misconduct hearing, which can lead to dismissal without notice.
Does the letter give you any details or indication of what will happen next?

[notapizzaeater]

Is it a big company or a small one ?

[Leeem]

No unfortunately I am not, my area mgr said I should be receiving another letter in the post first thing tomorrow which will have a beak down due to the suspension.

[Leeem]

The company has 40 stores nationwide- not really too large a business

[LIZS]

is assistant manager appropriately trained ? did something occur of which you are unaware on his/her shift ? Can you call ACAS for advice

[Leeem]

No I had a text msg off my area mgr saying ill get a breakdown in the post tomorrow

[LalyRawr]

DoD is SUCH a far reaching reason that it literally could be anything, depending on what job you do.

Could be failing to protect company assets. (leaving premises unlocked/not setting alarm/not securing money in safe). Could be failure to follow procedure (giving keys to unauthorised member of staff/ not having two people present when opening or closing/counting money on your own). Could be not ensuring safety of staff members. ( allowing them to use machinery they are not trained to use/allowing others to break h&s codes)

But, from what I remember, your employers have to prove it was INTENTIONAL. Otherwise it is negligence not DoD.

Is it possible to ask what the specific allegations are? HR should know, of you don't want to ask the area manager. Also if you're in a union, they would be helpful.

[Leeem]

The assistant mgr has been in the business 8 yrs however he hadn't been suspended.

[CaptainSweatPants]

Did you lock up the night before your 2 days off?
Does your assistant manager like you? Sounds like something went wrong when you were off & your getting the blame
Is there anyone who would have more info text-able? A close friend at work ?

[LalyRawr]

Also, from a military perspective, it can be failure to follow a direct order, or incapacitating yourself so you are unable to do your job. Like turning up drunk, or falling asleep etc.

[Leeem]

Right ok, I understand now it could mean anything. We don't have an official HR dept, however I will see what arrives in the post tomorrow and maybe ask you guys for help... It's pointless me speculating when I'm not even aware what I have actually done/ not done.

[sofuckedup]

I know how horrible this is - there is nothing at all you can do until you have the letter tomorrow - get some company, get a bottle of wine, stick something you like on the TV and wait for their letter.

Then deal with it x