Son (17 yrs old) received investigation letter for gross misconduct

[JustV]

My son has started working at the end of October 2025. He was really happy, exited and really liked his job. However, be was suspended today (after he finished his shift) and was given letter for investigation meeting, gross misconduct.
Allegations are: abuse or failure to follow any of the company's policies or procedures also insubordination and failure to obey instructions or perform work as required or defined. Only 2 incidents mentioned. No evidence provided. He cooked 8 meats instead of 6 and 4 pattys instead of 2. I can't see this as gross misconduct. It wasn't mentioned what specific policy/ procedure he breached. It was second time he was cooking pattys. No previous worning given. I find this to harsh. He is new in a very quick phased job, he follows instructions and listens to his mangers and if this happened it was genuine mistake. How we should approach this? His wasn't properly trained, no clear communication (one manager says this another something else), no warning given, he needs to work quickly and sometimes he hasn't got enough time to think.

same way you can't be judge, jury and executioner.

The point of an investigation is to corroborate the accuser accusation or find innocent the accused. The accuser cannot investigate his own accusations as its a conflict of interest, as he has obviously made up his mind already and won't find himself wrong.

If he's only been working a few weeks is he on a probationary period, where they could easily let him go for 'not being a good fit'?

If not I would contest it. Firstly I'd want to see his training records to see evidence he had received adequate training for the task(s) in question, including proof that this was signed by DS and the person that delivered the training.

Although you need DS to be truthful about his conduct at work. As a student I worked at ASDA on the pizza counter. Every Friday/Saturday night, whilst quiet, I would cook a pizza in the back and me and my colleagues would take turns scoffing slices whilst the other was a lookout for managers. On a few occasions when a manager from another department would see us cooking it we'd claim it was a 'make your own' pizza that a customer failed to collect. We were allowed to cook and sample to customers those pizzas. Those were the good old days.

Quite right.

I'm really interested to hear some of this.

Both my DC have done stints at McDonalds, and they've been excellent employers. DS1 during Covid when they did everything to care for staff mental and physical wellbeing. DS2 after he came home from Uni "early" in a very fragile state mentally, and being busy with other young people has done him the world of good.

there must be more to it? what is the insubordination they are referring to?

Two of mine did stints at 3 different McDs. At one of them (franchise) training was non existent or done in the weeks before leaving (so HO didn't complain). Written warnings were given out like sweeties (most were on a final final final final warning) but no-one was actually sacked (although many "bullied" out).

I presume he can take someone to his displiniary interview. I'd go with him (if he agrees).

If you asked my two they'd say McDs the worst if all jobs. So being sacked for gross misconduct probably a favour providing there are other opportunities in your local area. If it looks like they are about to dismiss him resign so he can say left of own accord and make up something for next employer (location not ideal, not safe at night).

I’d be very surprised if this was about 4 patties and not about his reaction to being pulled up for it

He needs to quit before he’s fired (send an email) and never go back.

It’s pretty common knowledge to anyone who had a job as a teenager that places like this - chain restaurants, retail, pubs and fast food places - treat their young workers like shit. The managers are usually the worst offenders but they dish it out to anyone who doesn’t fit in.

All the posters here saying “there’s more to this story” and “bet your son was up to no good” have clearly never experienced working in one of these places.

It’s a job in McDonalds and he’s 17. Tell him to leave and move on with his life. Not worth all this aggro.

Letter is very vague, no proof provided, no reference to specific policy or procedure that was "abused". Anyway not the end of the world

They could just let him go, no need for the gross misconduct interview.

What does McDonalds have to gain from that?

Bet you’re fun at parties 😒

I’ve worked at McDs for seven years and this mistake, especially by someone new or training, would barely be registered beyond a ‘make sure you only put down 4 patties next time’ then swiftly forgotten about. Is there more to this?

Seems odd. ACAS?

Was it just because he cooked too much? (I didn't think you cooked pâté - but obviously I'm missing the point).

Yep! Nicely done

with a company like mcd’s id assume they have HR policies for capability which would cover gross misconduct. I can’t imagine cooking 6 burgers rather than 4 could constitute gross misconduct but the policy should set out what are examples of gross misconduct (theft would be one but should be stated in the letter).

I too can’t believe that the organisation would go through the level of pain of a gross misconduct if they can just get rid. Something is missing in this story.

he needs to get the policy and check that they are following procedure - should they have explained what the allegation is (likely), provided wellbeing advice, is he on gardening leave pending the investigation etc etc

he could go to the investigation meeting - that should not constitute a disciplinary unless it is set out in the letter, and hear what they are accusing him of and make a judgement then as to what to do.

if there is a disciplinary and it is likely to go against him considering resignation is an option, but they can still go through the process if they consider it appropriate - and at his age getting a reference without any disciplinary lies is probably quite important.

if there is a disciplinary hearing has to be assertive and say if the training has been lacking or contradictory (if that what has led to this.

He insist that nothing happened more than this. He was working on other staff for 3 weeks and was put on grill (burgers) He forgot how many he can put. Next day he was put on plant patties where requirement were different. And no one mention how many he needs to put. Why he didn't ask i don't know. Posibly didn't want to bother anyone, as everyone is busy. He did not cook extra to eat or give to anyone. He genuinely didn't know and wanted to be helpful.

Probably answering back. I always find it rather odd that a grown adult can be insubordinate (I know the OP's ds is 17 but he's doing an adult job).

I don't see how that or cooking the wrong quantities can be gross misconduct, but in any event if he's only been there for 6 weeks all they need to do is tell him to go. It sounds like they want to make some sort of example of him for whatever reason. I'd definitely arrange for someone to go to the meeting - is there anyone you can ask to accompany him who is sensible and will take notes?

Well the first thing I'd be asking for is a clear letter setting out what is supposed to have occurred and when and what policies that alleged behaviour breaches.

Once you have that you can take a view.

I would have thought you'd have had a visit from the police if it was anything criminal though.

I've found this out too and I wasn't so young. Also had someone say I was going to be accused of gross misconduct (not for anything criminal!) but they knew damn well they couldn't make it stick and paid me rather a lot of money to leave instead. I still imagine sticking pins in that bosses eyes though.

However, I was much older and had 4 years' service at the time. Teen workers have far less clout or knowledge of their rights.

It doesn’t sound like they are doing it properly. They can investigate without giving him any evidence but if it’s for gross misconduct then he should be given the chance to read evidence and have time to provide his own.

If he decides to go to the meeting and not just quit (which I would advise) they should ask something along the lines of “have you been given enough time to prepare” he can say no and it has to be postponed.

Only guess, but they probably think that he is young and know nothing :) all they do is to cover themselves. I don't think he can be just let go on probation. To cover themselves they follow their processes.

Honestly it’s just not worth the agro. If he isn’t liked by his manager it won’t matter what happens, he will make sure he doesn’t enjoy working there.

My sister was sexually harassed by a manger at a McDonald’s. She was 18 or 19. She put a formal complaint in but still scheduled her shifts at the times he was in!! She ended up quitting as the process was taking so long and she didn’t feel comfortable working with him. They then dropped the case as she no longer worked there!!!! But they were happy to let a man stay that sexually harassed women and girls 10 years younger than him.

He’s 17, just tell him to resign and learn from the experience, really not worth the hassle given they’ve went gross misconduct.

I worked in McDs aged 16, I was awful at it and too immature. Rightfully I got pulled up, can’t remember if there was any formal disciplinary. I did pull my socks up for a bit before leaving. I have went on to get other jobs so no long-term harm.

In my mid 20’s I worked in another fast food restaurant and saw this happen to 16-17 yr olds quite a bit. These places have a lot of young people so it can feel like an extension of school where you have a laugh with your mates, but ultimately it’s a business and the young person hasn’t quite realised that yet.

Either they got a shock and learnt from the experience or they left. Managers in these places can be awful and can really just be your luck as to who you’re dealing with as to how severe they deal with it.
Some of them are barely out of their teens themselves and have no sense of professionalism, where they play favourites.

Honestly if it’s just a pt time job and studying tell him to resign and chalk it up to experience- not worth it.

I am telling him to quit and find something else. I said, you can attend interview tell your side, ask questions if it gives you some closure and resign. Even if you stay working there it won't last long and it will affect your wellbeing. But he is so naive and thinks he can sort this out and prove, that he is good employee:) and can work under pressure, this is his thinking. And get it, he liked it, he earned his money it is close to home... I will let him learn his lesson hard way. 🙂