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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be told why I’ve been suspended?

43 replies

HelloWorld2577 · 14/11/2024 23:15

I’ve been suspended with pay for at least a week and that’s basically all information I’ve been provided.

AIBU to want them to tell me why they’ve suspended me? Or do they not have to? Do they have to tell me the ins and outs once they’ve investigated such as who put in a complaint or is this all anonymous? The only thing I’ve been told is I’ve been suspended due to my behaviour at work & they have suspended me whilst they investigate the ‘allegations’ made by someone in my team.

I have read our policies and I have done nothing to constitute dismissal or even a disciplinary. I’ve never had a disciplinary or warning or any HR involvement. Genuinely any allegations made are false & I know exactly who and where they’ve come from. it is a he said she said situation but obviously this is causing me a lot of distress.

I have looked on so many employment law sites but just wondered if there are any HR or anyone with experience on here!

I know the disciplinary process is to get statements from all involved but suspension I can’t find much on the process. My main concern is when they let me come back to work that they won’t give me any information about the facts of why they suspended me in the first place! them simply saying they’ve found the allegations are false isn’t enough in my opinion. They need to tell me what allegations were made and why who!

OP posts:
LIZS · 19/11/2024 09:19

If you return you could make a dsar and request the details. However some information, like the name of a person making the allegation or whistleblowing and witnesses, may be redacted.

Doggymummar · 19/11/2024 09:17

I was suspended as their was an allegation of racism against me. I was told the reason by my manager, but the letter was kept neutral. I was on full pay and invited back in after a week. No evidence was found. The person who made the allegations (17year old) apologized to me off their own back and asked to remain on my team. She couldn't explain why she did it and I never really trusted her again, but I did trust in the process.

Startingagainandagain · 19/11/2024 09:09

Do you deal with the public?

I wonder if this was an external complaint or if one of your colleagues made that complaint...

I would be serious annoyed as well because I would think that one of my colleagues was being spiteful and trying to get me sacked. Not the type of atmosphere you want to be working in.

Lifestooshort71 · 19/11/2024 09:08

Northernladette · 19/11/2024 08:54

Unfortunately a Union won’t take on an existing case.
Haven’t read all the posts, but I’d be looking for another job 💯

Why look for another job? I'd wait for the outcome first before I even thought about leaving without knowing what a reference might say! Give them a chance to investigate and try not to worry.

Northernladette · 19/11/2024 08:54

Unfortunately a Union won’t take on an existing case.
Haven’t read all the posts, but I’d be looking for another job 💯

Marshbird · 19/11/2024 08:53

Jellycatspyjamas · 19/11/2024 08:07

I second getting yourself a union and a rep ASAP.

If you’re not already a union member they don’t be able to support or represent you in this situation as it predates your membership - I’d join now for any future issues, it always makes sense to join a union.

If you are already a union member then yes, this is what they are there for. If not definitely speak to ACAS as they’ll give specific advice around your rights.

This. Why do MN poster always say join a union

yep, join a union for the future absolutely

but they won’t take on an existing case. Why would they ? She hasn’t paid any “dues” up till now.

join a union folks, BEFORE an issue like this occurs. Issues in workplace don’t come with years of warning, they pop up and bite you on the bum, and it’s too late then to get the help.

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 19/11/2024 08:32

I would ask them for a time frame regarding the suspension.

Very difficult, but if you have done nothing wrong, try not to worry about it.

Interlaken · 19/11/2024 08:29

DoreenonTill8 · 19/11/2024 08:23

But it also doesn't mean it isn't!

Of course.

DoreenonTill8 · 19/11/2024 08:23

Interlaken · 19/11/2024 08:17

Someone can make a complaint in good faith, and for it not to be upheld.

HR coming back and saying ‘no further action’ does not mean a complaint is vexatious.

But it also doesn't mean it isn't!

Interlaken · 19/11/2024 08:17

Isatis · 19/11/2024 07:56

If they find one employee is making false allegations against another, surely they have to take action in respect of the one who has been found to have been lying and/or malicious and/or exaggerating?

Someone can make a complaint in good faith, and for it not to be upheld.

HR coming back and saying ‘no further action’ does not mean a complaint is vexatious.

Jellycatspyjamas · 19/11/2024 08:07

I second getting yourself a union and a rep ASAP.

If you’re not already a union member they don’t be able to support or represent you in this situation as it predates your membership - I’d join now for any future issues, it always makes sense to join a union.

If you are already a union member then yes, this is what they are there for. If not definitely speak to ACAS as they’ll give specific advice around your rights.

DoreenonTill8 · 19/11/2024 08:00

Isatis · 19/11/2024 07:56

If they find one employee is making false allegations against another, surely they have to take action in respect of the one who has been found to have been lying and/or malicious and/or exaggerating?

That's what I would think, if someone was making vexatious provenly false allegations against me, I'd want to know so I didn't place myself at risk of further allegations by being in their presence again!

Isatis · 19/11/2024 07:56

Interlaken · 14/11/2024 23:21

them simply saying they’ve found the allegations are false isn’t enough in my opinion. They need to tell me what allegations were made and why who!

Whilst I can understand why you would want to know. I’m really not sure they should tell you- presumably you would be looking for a retaliatory action to happen. And it probably won’t. Particularly if it is more “he’s a bully” type of situation.

I would have a think about whether you really want to go back there, and maybe look for something regardless.

Have they given you a timescale?

If they find one employee is making false allegations against another, surely they have to take action in respect of the one who has been found to have been lying and/or malicious and/or exaggerating?

Bertielong3 · 19/11/2024 07:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

yehisaidit · 14/11/2024 23:55

Usual process is:

An allegation is made

If it's serious enough, which it sounds like this could be, they'll suspend you. You should be on full pay during this time.

The suspension, as upsetting as it may be, is to protect you as much as whoever made the allegation and to also allow the process to be carried out fairly.

While you're suspended they'll investigate. Meaning they'll speak to any and all witnesses to try and piece together what happened. They'll want to do this fairly quickly, because it's costing them money you being at home.

At some point you'll be invited in to have your say. You should be told what the allegations are, or the incident etc, however they can't tell you who it came from. In my experience, it isn't hard to figure it out, however hard they try to keep things anonymous.

Once the investigation is complete, they'll decide on a course of action.

If a disciplinary is to take place, you'll be notified in writing and offered the opportunity to have a companion / union rep with you. Along with this letter you may be sent a copy of the investigation notes.

After disciplinary, there'll be an outcome. This may or may not be a separate meeting.

You need to understand that unless the person making the allegation agrees, they'll keep things anonymous and won't be able to confirm names.

While you've got this time off, have a think about who you'd like with you at these meetings. Want a union rep? Join a union if you aren't already a member.

Whatever you do, do not try and contact work colleagues to discuss or find out what is happening - you could be accused of trying to sabotage the investigation process and it won't do you any favours.

As hard as it is, sit tight. If you know what this is about, get your evidence together and stay cool, calm and collected.

Good luck

Lavender14 · 14/11/2024 23:32

I second getting yourself a union and a rep ASAP. I've investigated similar types of situations in work and unfortunately couldn't give a reason why to the person suspended until I had gathered enough information to be clear with them on what exactly the allegations were and formal statements had been taken which unfortunately took some time. All they knew was that there had been allegations and it was being investigated. You could ask them for a time frame.

Very very stressful for you and I think making sure you've got support around you, but professionally with a union, and personally as well is so important. Keeping a calm level head will work in your favour.

TwattyMcFuckFace · 14/11/2024 23:28

Are you in a union?

I'm guessing not, as sadly it seems like most of MN aren't.

I'd contact ACAS immediately, as they'll have the answers you're looking for.

Interlaken · 14/11/2024 23:21

them simply saying they’ve found the allegations are false isn’t enough in my opinion. They need to tell me what allegations were made and why who!

Whilst I can understand why you would want to know. I’m really not sure they should tell you- presumably you would be looking for a retaliatory action to happen. And it probably won’t. Particularly if it is more “he’s a bully” type of situation.

I would have a think about whether you really want to go back there, and maybe look for something regardless.

Have they given you a timescale?