Apologies, this may be long but I'm in bits right now. Have name changed just in case.
DP has worked at same place for over 10 years, and has worked their way up to a management post, having gained an OU degree (first) in related subject on the way. DP loves the sector and the work and has always been held in regard by colleagues and clients for their person-centred approach and service delivery.
Until... a new manager for the establishment was appointed. The manager, 'Wendy' took a dislike to DP soon after she started as DP pointed out something Wendy proposed was outside regulations. Since then Wendy has mercilessly bullied DP, questioning DP's competence, accusing DP of all manner of things which never happened (including being, basically, mentally unfit to do the job)
DP raised a formal grievance against Wendy for bullying but the outcome was that Wendy said she was merely trying to 'support' DP and that Wendy would do some mental health awareness training. HR are very complicit with Wendy (the night of the grievance hearing HR person was seen out for dinner with Wendy, they are very matey).
Wendy rules with a divide and conquer mentality, and has caused problems for DP with staff by saying solutions to their problems that haven't arisen are DPs fault, while DP has never been made aware of them) Wendy lies constantly, but hands much of the important technical work to DP, then takes credit for it.
There's much more, but that's the gist. DP has a disciplinary hearing this week based on a fictitious accusation by one of Wendy's minions that DP committed an act of gross misconduct. There is no proof beyond 'he said she said'. The outcome is that DP faces dismissal if the hearing decides this lie is true.
I am disabled and unable to work. If DP loses their job we will be up shit Creek. We live in an isolated area where there are literally (not being dramatic here) no other jobs with similar pay for DP and DP would face a NMW job (assuming Wendy doesn't take steps to have DPs DBS record marked with these allegations, which would affect DPs chance to work in the sector again)
I am so very anxious about this and trying to support DP. DP has union support but the union have been quite limp in the past. If the hearing sack DP, DP is intending to go to employment tribunal.
Sorry, this has been a ramble. I feel like I've been living in a state of anxiety for over a year as Wendy has attacked DP systematically; I have mental health issues and feel dreadful that I can't shoulder any of the potential financial burden. I don't understand why people can be so persistently vile. So yes, would love a handhold as I don't want to burden DP with my anxiety or make DP feel like their situation is affecting me so badly.