I’ve been accused of coming into work smelling of alcohol.

[TheLightSideOfTheMoon]

I haven’t. I don’t really drink.

But this is the latest in a line of people lying about me.

I’ve come back today after two weeks of being signed off sick and an hour into my shift I’ve just been informed of this.

Now sitting in the staff room with panda eyes.My boss isn’t here. I don’t know what to do.

Part of me just wants to go home again.

Who informed you and what have they said will happen next?

My colleague told me that she was questioned about it.

I’ve only been back from my sick leave for an hour and a half.

So no one’s spoken to me.

Diabetes breath can smell like alcohol.

How awful for you. What kind of sector do you work in

I work in care.

This kind of thing could cost me my job.

I'm sorry OP.
Could be bullying?
But some medical conditions can cause this as a pp mentioned, so if they really do smell alcohol and you haven't had a drink, then I'd see your GP.

Request a breath test then it will prove you have no alcohol? Not sure if your workplace has access some do.

Can you get a union involved
Who has accused you? There a processes they must follow.

Are you in a union?

Sounds like a classic case of bullying to me. Is there anyone there who has "issues" with you, for whatever reason?

Do you vape?

Breathalysers cost a tenner on Amazon. Also could you be diabetic?

Who is in charge today, you need to speak to them and ask them to arrange a blood glucose and alcohol blood test. What sort of care is it, carehome , hospital,

I was thinking diabetes....or, more commonly, bullying. It's a low blow. I know of a colleague who was accused of "drinking on the job" because she'd had a fall out......

Might it be hand sanitiser?

Who was your colleague questioned by?
Is there a prior history of bullying?

Tell them you are happy to do a breathalyser test to show there is no alcohol in your system.

To cost you your job they'd surely have to prove you'd been drinking? Someone says you smell of it isn't good enough surely?

This was my thought too but too obvious maybe?

Or mouthwash- again mostly alcohol!

I know you want to go home again but don't op. If you haven't done anything wrong then definitely don't leave! Just breathe

I got accused of drinking at work once because they could ‘smell wine on my breath’ I’d just eaten a kiwi! Could it be something like that?

I know someone who had a similar issue. The people she worked with put a half empty bottle of wine in her locker and told the bosses to go look. Nothing cane of it in terms of discipline etc but she was transferred to another area at her request.

Dont wait for them to come to you, go the management (do it by email so theres a paper trail), tell them about the accusations, say how unhappy you are, you consider it bullying as its all lies and slander, and ask them to purchase a breathalyser so that if these rumours continue you can put an end to it.

Stop crying and stick up for yourself. Demand they breathalise you (there problem where to get the test )
Find you inner anger and use it OP.

Are you wearing perfume as it can smell similar to alcohol on some people.

I don’t work in care. This kind of accusation would get me on immediate suspension and testing. If a test was positive, I’d be dismissed.

And yes, I’ve been on the receiving end of such a malicious allegation. I know how distressing it is.

If you have done nothing wrong then you will be fine. Don’t be upset. Easier said than done I know. Request a test. See your GP (tricky at the moment I know) to rule out any issues.

If you are on the receiving end of a series of lies, raise a grievance. Get it acknowledged. It is bullying. It is harassment. Make it known to your Union Rep if you have one.

And it needs to be brought to the attention of management. It won’t stop just because you are upset. In my case it escalated to far worse.

I feel for you. 💐

I agree with @catandcoffee, if you are being bullied you need to fight fire with fire and speak to your boss about it quickly.