fudge my life

[bigsuze87]

Feel free to move this if its in the wrong place but I think I have it right. After a few years in bar work doing unreasonable hours I finally found a decent job that I adore doing in November last year. I work for a corporate catering company that is hired by an office in my town. So I work for a company that works for a company. Today after lunch service the area manager who was helping out in the kitchen asked if he could have a word and someone in the office (not someone I work with) has emailed the area manager saying they have an issue with me and so I have been suspended on full pay.

The area manager has had his laptop all day so if this was sent last week then I would have been suspended this morning not at 2:45 in the afternoon which means its something I have done today but I can not think what I have done. I shitting bricks I love this job and frankly i will not find another one like it. They are investigating but neither me or the area manager have any idea what I have done to upset whoever it is.

[InternationalHouseofToast]

bumping this for you. Without you having any more details, I'm not sure there is anything anyone on here can offer but for now, sit down and make some notes - what reference you gave when you started, what shifts you've worked, anything you can think of where there was a disagreement with someone - what the reason was and the outcome etc.

It will just give you something concrete to do whilst you're pondering this. If it's an investigation then you may be exhonerated, and you have the right to know what is being alleged, so do ask for more information tomorrow if you haven't heard anything by then.

If you do go in for a meeting, listen to what is being said and make sure you understand what they are alleging, what control, if any, this person has over your role, and what the difference is between what you did and what they would have wanted you to do.

[shalomjaxom]

What have you done to warrant a suspension?

[callherwillow]

She doesn't know, shalom

That's the point.

[bigsuze87]

Neither does the area manager until he investigates. My DH has pointed out that they can only fire me if I have done something majorly wrong which I am 100%sure I haven't. The catering company has other places it runs in my town so I am hoping that even if I can't work in the current place (because 1 person in 250 doesn't want me there)I might be able to work in another place

[Hoppinggreen]

Hopefully it will be nothing but I'm sorry to say that as you haven't been there 2 years they can just fire you despite what your DH says.
Not very cheery I know so fingers crossed for you

[bigsuze87]

Still heard nothing. I am trying not to worry but I can't help it

[MyKingdomForBrie]

It is ridiculous that they will not tell you what the accusation is, how can they investigate without your input. I would be kicking up an enormous fuss until I found out what the complaint was. Try and join a union if you're not a member already.

[Tiggeryoubastard]

Do you do the admin? Could it be any stake there? A mistake on the till if you serve?

[bigsuze87]

We don't handle cash everything is done through an app or by card. I spend most of my time in the kitchen. All the area manager got was an email saying someone in the office was having issues with me. The complaints procedure says that if a complaint is made by the client the named member of staff must be suspended with full pay and escorted off premises while the complaint is investigated. I honestly have no idea what I have done the handbook says that if I put the company in "disrepute" then it is classed as gross misconduct which has got me a bit worries

[Tiggeryoubastard]

If you'd done something so bad I'm sure you'd know about it. Have you put anything about either company online?

[bigsuze87]

Nope ust the odd picture of cakes I've made or mentioned I've had a busy day that's all

[Tiggeryoubastard]

Mistaken identity? All you can do is wait and see, I guess. At least you're getting paid.

[daisychain01]

They should give you a verbal explanation of what you have been accused of, if they are a decent employer.

Your rights are limited if you haven't worked there for 2 years.

I would proactively ask for an informal cup of coffee chat with your manager and ask them to give some sort of info.

If you get given the runaround, just look for something else and put it down to experience. It is probably not worth the hassle getting involved in back and forth if they are that obtuse they won't even give you a hint or right to reply.

[blueskyinmarch]

Seems very odd that they haven't given you any clue what it is about. Hope it gets resolved soon.

[bigsuze87]

It can't be mistaken identity I am the only woman out of the the 4 of us that do or deal with catering. I am surprised I haven't had an email or call about what's been said

[Shakey15000]

That's terrible they haven't let you know.

[daisychain01]

I think it's an appalling way to treat you. If I was the manager I'd at least give you a quick heads up especially as you've been put into suspension. I don't think I'd want to carry on working there

[bigsuze87]

Just received a letter confirming my "precautionary suspension" and I have a meeting tomorrow with the area manager. The letter does state that "we may the continuation of your employment" so I am holding onto hope

[bigsuze87]

I have my meeting in leas than 2 hours and I am starting to shit bricks

[blueskyinmarch]

Good luck. Keep calm and listen to what they say before responding. Hopefully it has all been a misunderstanding.

[StealthPolarBear]

Stay calm (easier said than done I know )
Are you taking anyone with you?

[bigsuze87]

Here's hoping

[bigsuze87]

Don't have anyone to take not part of a union or anything

[StealthPolarBear]

I believe you can take a colleague but not sure if you'd have had to tell them in advance.
take notes. Don't be scared to ask them to repeat things. Focus on listening and breathe before you respond.

[redhat]

You can't take a colleague - its an investigation interview. You are not entitled to notice or to know what the allegations are (although in all likelihood you'll be able to work them out from the questions) or to representation/accompaniment.