Can I get sacked for this?

[FunkyAvocado]

Namechanged as some people from work know I use MN
We had a new manager start a few months ago. She doesn't get on very well with some people and has referred to some people we work with as 'airheads' behind their backs etc. There is one person there she doesn't like as this person comes into work, looks miserable, doesn't interact with customers and has made it known she doesn't like the job.
The manager said to me and a couple of other people that it's a good job that this person is looking for a new job as she doesn't like her. (Not very professional I know but I rely on my overtime for a lot of my wages and I have an unplanned baby due in January so need to have as much money saved as possible as I only get SMP, so I didn't say anything in defense of the person I just agreed). Someone else overheard the manager say this to me about the person and told the person and today the person who it was said about came up to me and said she was taking it to HR because it's work bullying.
Can I lose my job over this? I'm scared of getting in trouble for 'gross misconduct' even though it's all hearsay.

[Mabelface]

You can say that you don't like someone, but this does seem a lot of "he said, she said" and your manager is being very unprofessional. You're not the one who will be in trouble here.

[mirry2]

The manager is in the wrong, not you. You could just as easily make the point that you felt bullied into agreeing with your manager for the sake of your job.

[susanalbumparty]

It might have been unprofessional and tactless to let her hear this but I don't think it would be a sacking offence. Your boss is the one at fault.

[hermioneweasley]

Agreeing with your manager that someone isn't very good at their job isn't gross misconduct. I doubt it's even bullying - you didn't say it to her.

If there is an investigation then just explain as you did here.

[Chocotrekkie]

Step 1 - I would write up the honest version of the whole sequence of events and who was present and who said what. Get the others to do the same. Sign and date it.
Step 2 - talk asap to hr before they call you.
be honest and say what the manager said to you, what the person said to you and let them know you never willingly had any part in any bullying.

Look at your contract,policies about whistle blowing and overtime. Record what overtime you have done recently. Make sure they don't refuse you overtime as you are involved in this.

You have a baby on the way - you need to protect yourself. The manager is going to try to pin the blame somewhere so keep it away from you.

[FunkyAvocado]

HR at my work aren't very effective and the girl has made it very obvious that she doesn't like our manager. She tells me I'm the 'managers favourite' as I get given a lot of overtime hours but she also has a lot of sickness. So I don't really know what's going to happen (apart from a huge kick off) but I was just feeling worried I'd lose my job over it.

[FunkyAvocado]

Oh I've just remembered something else. I was all upset earlier worried about my job so didn't think about what else happened. After the girl told me she was taking it to HR she said she 'couldn't wait to have it out with [manager's name]. What a bitch!' And walked off. Maybe it'll just be classed as general bitchiness and no one will get in trouble.

[Mabelface]

I think that you have nothing to worry about. Just be careful about talking behind people's backs in the future, as it can come back to bite you on the arse.

[kiwimumof2boys]

Yeah I agree with Madlizzy. It sounds like a bitchy workplace, your boss doesn't sound very nice, so I suggest just keeping your head down. Easier said than done I know !