Colleagues disciplinary

[Bramblespoint]

A colleague at work is having a disciplinary hearing. It's a minor breach of policy that only came to light due to lockdown.

It wasn't an intentional policy breach - they were just not thinking due to change in office procedures etc.

Colleague is really upset about it - even more so due to lockdown meaning they are not seeing anyone.

Work have now asked me to give a written statement, I feel very conflicted because colleague was in the wrong - albeit unintentionally but I am friends with them and feel as though I am going against my friend by proving the statement.

AIBU to not want to give a statement? I feel conflicted

If you can not be involved don’t. Also if you must speak to your union or her rep so you don’t get her in to trouble

Can you opt out of giving the statement?

I think for me it would depend what it was. Can you just write a very brief factual statement?

Can you make it very vague - as in you can't be sure what you saw / heard or saying you didn't know or see it?

It might help their case if you genuinely believe it was unintentional and say so.

Tricky. If it's so minor why are they going ahead with a disciplinary? Is it likely to put her higher up the list for redundancy?

Why do they want a statement from you. Were you aware your colleague made an error. There is guidance around how to write a statement on the ACAS site. Are you both in a union. Has the disciplinary process been followed. What line of work are you both in.

How minor could it be if they are having a disciplinary hearing? That really doesn't make sense.

I would refuse to give a statement. Just say you don't want to get involved.

Sounds quite a lot to be doing for an apparent minor infraction. Are you sure you have all the details?

@InFiveMins of course you would. Well done you.

@Bramblespoint we need a little more to go on. What was the breach?

I refused to give a statement. It was accepted by my then (batshit) employer. I think you can say No if it is a colleague (more difficult if you are their supervisor I'm guessing...

Sounds quite a lot to be doing for an apparent minor infraction. Are you sure you have all the details?

Yup. Investigations cost time and money. It’s odd they’re going through these processes for a cut and dry minor infraction.

And what exactly has she asked for with regards the statement? Surely the facts speak for themselves?

What's the disciplinary policy where you are? Is it possible they are looking for more ammunition so they can skip the verbal warning stage?

Don't suppose your statement could be anonymous - I realise that might not be possible of course.

Just be aware that your colleague will be able to see your statement. In case that impacts your decision.

I am surprised they want a statement from you unless you were also involved.

You need to know why you have been asked to write a statement. Did your colleague give them your name. Did you witness something. A lot depends on the circumstances.