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Original poster

Suspended from work after serious mistake and struggling to see a way forward

61 replies

DeepDarkBlack · 02/04/2026 23:06

Made a massive error at work, I’ve been suspended and awaiting disciplinary meeting. I think I’m gonna be dismissed for gross misconduct. I can’t see a way back from this. There’s no way forward. I don’t know how we will cope without my wage but equally can’t see a way in which I can ever return to my previous type of work. Any one experienced similar and things got better?

OP posts:
PermanentTemporary · 02/04/2026 23:25

I’m really sorry to hear this. Hope you’re in touch with your GP and that you can get some help.

Original poster
DeepDarkBlack · 02/04/2026 23:25

No, no one died though I wish I had.

OP posts:
Original poster
DeepDarkBlack · 02/04/2026 23:24

I’m in a union, I’ve contacted them so just waiting to hear back.

My actual work I don’t think there is an issue, not that kind of mistake, it’s a conduct issue. It came about because my MH has been declining the past few months and I’ve reached breaking point

OP posts:
Ariela · 02/04/2026 23:23

I would ring ACAS for advice and see if there's anything they can suggest to help you.

As to the actual issue that happened, can you look at the process as to how the mistake arose eg how did you become aware of the problem, what checks are made in the work - is it just one person's work (ie you) and nobody above checking it for errors?
Then, can you suggest a change in the process to prevent future errors?
I think if you can show acceptance you made the mistake, but also why it happened, and some ideas how to resolve it, then you may well just be stuck on a 1st written warning or similar - for example, say you are continually interrupted by others while you are doing the task, and that the solution could be to have a different location to work from when doing that task where people are not wandering by and cannot interrupt you.

ILoveDaffodills · 02/04/2026 23:19

Arewethebadguys · 02/04/2026 23:16

Did anybody die? Don't mean to be flippant but otherwise it's just not worth your mental health. People make mistakes, systems should be in place to stop this having a catastrophic effect.

Don't spiral. It'll be fine no matter the outcome xx

That's what sprung to my mind too! If no one died, it can be fixed.

WhoAteMyBiscuit · 02/04/2026 23:17

Is there anyone you can take to the hearing with you for support? A colleague/union rep, etc? Ideally someone who can help you prepare beforehand and help you out if you get a bit overwhelmed.

Perhaps write a statement that you can share with the panel beforehand so that you make sure you have told them all the key points/facts. Showing that you recognise the mistake and what steps you will take to avoid something happening again in future might be worth including. Good luck.

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 02/04/2026 23:16

All you can do is apologise and if tgey are going to dismiss you, appeal to their better nature and ask if you can resign ... unless it's a safeguarding matter, in which case unlikely they will allow that.

Arewethebadguys · 02/04/2026 23:16

Did anybody die? Don't mean to be flippant but otherwise it's just not worth your mental health. People make mistakes, systems should be in place to stop this having a catastrophic effect.

Don't spiral. It'll be fine no matter the outcome xx

Flatandhappy · 02/04/2026 23:16

Can you resign before you are dismissed so it won’t be on your work record? Is there anyone who can/would give you a reference so you don’t necessarily have to use your current boss?

Obviously only useful if there are other jobs you can apply for. Best of luck in any case, it sounds like a really stressful time.

Jellycatspyjamas · 02/04/2026 23:14

Have you got support eg from a union? Everyone makes mistakes and systems need to account for it. Do you understand why you made the mistake, were there contributing factors to consider eg lack of training, excessive workload? A good union rep can help you unpick what happened and help you defend your decision making.

MyJollyMentor · 02/04/2026 23:10

What is your past record etc? Any other mistakes? was it just human error?

I think every system has to take into account human error and have controls and checks in place. We are all human and make mistakes. Rarely can 1 person be blamed.

Either way..it will pass.