DH did somethng very silly

[ModreB]

DH and I work for the same public sector organisation, but in completely different departments, doing different work. He should be provided with equipment and specific clothing which this year due to budget cuts hasn't happened.

So, instead of raising a grievance or speaking to his union rep the stupid bugger has spoken to the local press. I knew nothing of this until today, when they phoned him back

If he gets found out, it's gross misconduct and the sack. We could cope if he got the sack, but my question is, would it have any effect on me and my job, bearing in mind that he did this without my knowledge. Or are they likely to think that I must have known and sack me as well?

[Madasabox]

They won't sack you, unless you spoke to the press as well, I wouldn't think. You can't be held accountable for something your husband did

[SquirtedPerfumeUpNoseInBoots]

But what grounds would they sack you on? You haven't done anything wrong.

[WipsGlitter]

You should be fine. Your DP could try asking for them not to use his name or pull the story.

[MasterOfBuggerAll]

I used to work for my local police force.

The Payroll Manager at the time was caught commuting fraud. He had created false employees on the system and paid the money into his own account.

His wife also worked for the force (I don't believe in the same dept) and she never got disciplined or sacked. Because she was not involved it.

I'm sure you will be fine. I hope your DH doesn't lose his job.

[Leithlurker]

Even if he is sacked and by no means is that to be taken as read, he could appeal at an industrial tribunal. I believe what he has done is not silly as he is whistle-blower on a possible breach of health and safety. This should mean his union would be interested in helping him. At worst I would argue (unless he has signed some kind of waiver to keep things confidential) then he should get a final written warning after a suspension of up to a month.

He should have spoke to the union first, but even then if he was being expected to carry out duties without the proper safety gear he was in a no win situation, or should he have kept his mouth shut and been injured?

[flowery]

Seriously Leithlurker, you don't believe what he did was silly?!

I'm quite certain the whistle blowing policy at the OPs place of work doesn't include local press as an acceptable method of drawing health and safety concerns to the attention of the relevant people.

He had management, a formal grievance policy, his union and probably a dedicated whistle blowing policy at his disposal. Of course going to the press was silly.

OP in answer to your question, no they can't sack you for something he's done, unless there's evidence you were complicit.

[Leithlurker]

yes seiously, all the cases of bad practice in the hospitality's that killed children due to negligence, or kept body parts, or even the recent BBC cases would all still be unknown to us if whistle blowers had not stood outside those rules and procedures you hold so dear.

If some one had been hurt or attacked for want of proper equipment whilst those internal procedures were being followed would that be acceptable?

[flowery]

You have absolutely no reason to believe that anyone is in serious danger so don't be over dramatic.

Not sure what I'm supposed to 'hold dear', but yes, if an employee has a concern about something, jumping straight to the media without even talking to their union is silly.

The OP knows exactly what's at stake, which we don't, and she seems comfortable describing it as silly.

[Leithlurker]

She is also shit scared of her income being cut, I think we can all kid ourselves that things are less important than they really are if it means a drastic change for us. You say flowery that I have no reason to think that this is serious. I also have no reason not to. I also think that all those who turned a blind eye to js thought it was not serious.

[YouSeveredHead]

Leithlurker the point is you can only answer based on what has actually said, you've not said lives are in danger and the op is deluding herself how serious it is.

[ModreB]

It is silly, as we do not rely on DH income from his job. I am the main earner, on a much higher grade, and if I lost my job we would be up shit creek without a paddle.

My main concern was that they would assume that I was complicit, sack first and wait for the appeal.

The equipment in question is not a matter of life and death, think waterproof clothing for an outdoor job that isn't waterproof, so in the current climate makes for a very uncomfortable working day.

[bradywasmyfavouriteking]

Similar happened at my work. The dh was sacked and the wife was suspened on full pay while they investigated.

I think you issue, is that now you know what he has done, would your employer expect you to tell them. It Possibly could spell trouble if it slipped out you know but keep it to yourself.