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.

id question who is that close to you in a half an hour period to notice??

Sounds really distressing OP I’m sorry.

Also came to say diabetes or hand sanitizer. I had a perfume that smelt like wine. Sorry you're going through this op. I would use a breathalyser just so that it's recorded then go the bullying root.

I didn’t smell of anything. Another colleague confirmed it.

The person making the accusation didn’t come with me, it happened a week ago.

Yeah, she’s said a few things about me, one of which got me suspended and investigated. Luckily nothing came of it.

This is easily resolved , no? Just be breathalysed. Then request the person who is making malicious complaints is dealt with

I suspect most employers don’t have a breathalyser in their back pocket to whip out in such circumstances. I am confident there’s never been one on the premises where I have worked.

There's alcohol in hand sanitizer could it be that?

I’m so sorry OP.

I worked with someone a few years ago who went though the same thing. It was nothing but bullying to get her out after she made a valid complaint.

Bingo!

How did it happen a week ago if you've just come back after two weeks?

Because I popped in to bring in something. I was only here for fifteen minutes, if that.

If you believe this is targeted bullying you need to ask your manager to investigate as a vexatious concern. It doesn't matter what has gone on between you, vexatious reports take away from the investigation of genuine concerns. It's a dangerous horrible game to play.

Completely agree with Jenny - the person making these allegations needs to be disciplined themselves.

You go tou your manager to report bullying and slander by "unknown" employees say - "I am 100% happy to take a breath test and a drug test, I have not been drinking" and go from there.

If they suggest they are going to dismiss you for this without proof, say you are going to ACAS and will take them to tribunal.

Yeah, she’s said a few things about me, one of which got me suspended and investigated. Luckily nothing came of it.

So it's known that she tells lies about you?

If you only popped in and were not actually working what could they do about it even if it was true? This colleague is obviously a bully and shit stirrer of the highest order.

I am 50. I have a shower, wash my hair, put on my HRT gel. I am not taking the piss, it is 96% ethonal. Bam, I stink of booze.

I am highly paranoid about it.

LOTS of things smell of alcohol, things smell differently to different people.
This person should be VERY careful about saying things like this.

Do not go home and be strong x

Some medical conditions like diabetes can make your breath smell like alcohol might be worth a drs appointment especially since you've been of ill.

Go to your HR now and tell them about the accusation.
Follow up with a written email / record with names of who told you.

This is simply not on. Make sure there is a record of everything.

Yes, do this.

Put everything in writing 💐

I was asked that once. It was mortifying. It was a client who asked. I spoke to my boss about it in case anything was said and luckily they were v understanding. They knew I was pregnant with an IVF baby and hadn't been drinking for years with the TTC and treatments etc.

I had been sucking throat lozenges though as I had a sore throat. Might it be something like that?

Are your superiors supportive?

I hope you take this further. Lots of bullying goes on in the workplace.

This was my first thought

Dont go home - you need to speak to someone now otherwise you have no proof that it is not true . Go and see someone in charge - HR, Line manager, other senior manager but please dont go home. Dont let them beat you down - get angry not beaten.

I remember at the start of the pandemic a colleague being asked by a patient if she'd been drinking due to the hand sanitisers - they reeked of whiskey when we got a new manufacturer

We all used to be using it commenting that the alcohol smell was that - smelling the bottle was like taking a whiff from a whiskey bottle