Suing a previous workplace when they're a Public Service

[JustanotherMum88]

Two of my colleagues successfully sued the same workplace, (emergency services) one of them even returning to be employed by them afterwards!

I am not thinking I want to do the same. Their treatment of me when I worked there, generally but over one particular incident, was terrible.

Does anyone know where I would start? I've lost touch with the aforementioned colleagues unfortunately, and googling hasn't taught me anything :(

Possibly instruct a solicitor?

If you are a member of a union you can ask them for legal assistance. DH did this. He had an accident at work and sued his employer due to not having correct PPE.

Alternatively speak to a solicitor.

A solicitor may be an idea.
The union I was in while there couldn't help me at all, because I'd already handed my notice in when aforementioned incident occurred. Thanks all :)

If you're thinking of Tribunal, bear in mind there's a 3 month time limit from the misdemeanour/ issue with the employer, to take action. After that time has elapsed, your case wouldn't be heard.

You could still take out a grievance and try and deal with it internally, but it may not get dealt with in the same way, if they know that court action isn't on the cards.

If you've already left the organisation, you probably won't get anywhere so spending your cash on a solicitor is not a good use of money imo.

What was the incident? What are you looking for from this?

Without commenting on my own situation, make sure you know exactly what you want from suing them before you start. What do you want life to look like after it's over? Ongoing employment, compensation, apology, change in practice? That way a solicitor can advise you on how likely you are to achieve that.

Did you raise a complaint at the time in writing? Did they respond and adhere to the policy that was relevant at the time? If you didn't their defense will simply be that you didn't go through the correct channels and they were unaware.

Acas. Call their helpline as soon as possible.

It was less than 3 years ago.

Two colleagues did it after leaving.

I will call ACAS, thank you.

The incident is quite outing and as I've said there was more than one but in essence I was advised to do something by a senior, I did it, was told it was right, then it transpired that it wasn't and it caused a problem.

I was scapegoated and penalised for it and told I shouldn't have listened to the senior.

They also lied on my file, about why i had done it and said i should have adhered to a certain procedure (that I was unaware of, I questioned and nobody could show me said procedure, and it wasn't mentioned at the time).

I protested it at the time and was shouted at and not allowed to get a word in.
I emailed afterwards, to a senior who had written the negative entry on my file, protesting one part of it that was a blatant lie, they're definitely aware. I also went to the union who said they'd help and then after many emails back and forth changed their minds and said they couldn't.

I believe they didn't adhere to their own policies and ethics.

Definitely want a change in practice.. haven't thought about anything else.

If you're thinking of Tribunal, bear in mind there's a 3 month time limit from the misdemeanour/ issue with the employer, to take action

It may have been less than 3 years ago OP, but it needs to be less that 3 months ago for you to take it to tribunal. Honestly, don't waste your money if it was longer than 3 months ago . Hopefully ACAS can help you work through it as they are free. It sounds like you need closure rather than court action. That's understandable if you feel aggrieved.