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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Colleague kept her job after being suspended, worried about working with her again

33 replies

000oooh · 27/02/2022 14:21

A colleague was suspended as she was caught on camera mocking an elderly man (who had not been aggressive to her in any way, he had gotten upset and she was taunting him) i posted initially a few weeks ago.
There has been a video circulating which confirms it, I haven't seen the video but seems many others have, it's very hard for her to deny.
Anyway the colleague kept her job which I'm surprised about. Apparently they attempted to sack her but the higher ups refused.
I got on well with her and I was really disappointed and shocked to hear this, it's made me see her in a very different light. I don't know why she's in this job.
I haven't seen her since but there's a possibility I'll be working with her again in the future and I'm nervous about it.
I'm likely not allowed to discuss what happened nor do I intend to, I just have to desire to know her anymore. It's not like she cracked in the heat of the moment, she was just downright cruel.
Not much I can do other than just be professional? Would you be able to work with her again?

Around 2 years ago a colleague of mine slapped a service user with learning difficulties in the face. Not in any way in defense, just out of anger. Once again, she kept her job. It's sad this is happening so much

OP posts:
Yeahbutnotreally · 27/02/2022 14:37

I remember your other post.

Awful to think our elderly relatives could be being looked after by someone like that. My DF has dementia.
Very sad things like this happen and they don’t lose their jobs.

labyrinthlaziness · 27/02/2022 14:40

Yes, I would be able to work with her again, because what she has done is nothing to do with you. I would not be friendly I would be completely neutral and professional.

You could look for another job though, as it would be very hard to work with her on an ongoing basis. And you must have lost respect for the company!

TabithaTittlemouse · 27/02/2022 14:42

I suppose you could turn it around and think that by working with her you can ensure that your service users are safe and well cared for (and protected from her). You can show her how to behave.
Obviously you shouldn’t have to and I’m shocked that these people are keeping their jobs.

drpet49 · 27/02/2022 14:45

I’m with you OP. Management sound corrupt

Original poster
000oooh · 27/02/2022 14:47

I have had colleagues who have refused to work with other carers for whatever reason.
A few months back I had an issue with one colleague picking on me a little, I asked if I could not work with her but due to staffing, they couldn't allow it. They had a word with her anyway and it improved luckily.

I guess if I want to keep this job I will have to potentially work with her from time to time. Neutral and professional seems the best approach, I hope she's learned her lesson

OP posts:
A580Hojas · 27/02/2022 15:01

That sounds like a horrible situation. I would totally cold shoulder her.

Lougle · 27/02/2022 15:06

@A580Hojas

That sounds like a horrible situation. I would totally cold shoulder her.
How will that help? Awkward for service users who can pick up atmosphere.

Professional and neutral.

whatwasIgoingtosay · 27/02/2022 15:43

I think the two instances you relate are appalling. Anonymous tip-off to the local press about the situation? Or a word with your local MP or councillor?

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 27/02/2022 15:44

Quality care commission. Whistle blow.

A580Hojas · 27/02/2022 15:52

Why would you be professional and neutral towards someone who has been completely unprofessional in their work?

dworky · 27/02/2022 16:06

@drpet49

I’m with you OP. Management sound corrupt
More than that, encouraging abuse.
labyrinthlaziness · 27/02/2022 16:36

@A580Hojas

Why would you be professional and neutral towards someone who has been completely unprofessional in their work?
What would you suggest?

Being unprofessional and hostile in the workplace? I am not sure how anything good will come of that for the OP.

labyrinthlaziness · 27/02/2022 16:36

@OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow

Quality care commission. Whistle blow.
This is worth consideration.
DreamingofTimbuktu · 27/02/2022 16:42

Carers are very much in demand so I think the best option is you find a new role with colleagues who have the same high standards as you. I really hope you find somewhere where your colleagues behaviour would not be tolerated

KarmaStar · 27/02/2022 16:44

Has it just been dealt with internally?
If so if consider taking to the cqc,nobody bullying or assaulting vulnerable people or animals should be allowed near them .ever..

Zillamop · 27/02/2022 16:46

Quality care commission. Whistle blow.

Yes, this. Otherwise this kind of thing will keep happening.

WhoWants2Know · 27/02/2022 16:49

I would have to consider whistleblowing in that situation. If a video has been circulated widely, then enough people know about it that her actions have brought the company into disrepute- which should have been grounds for termination.

And how was the gentleman supported after the incident? Was he (or his family members) consulted about how they dealt with the situation.

lljkk · 27/02/2022 16:50

Fewer staff also means poorer quality of care. Care industry has dire shortages in staff. It is possible colleague has learnt lesson & won't behave like that again. This isn't a simple problem

Original poster
000oooh · 27/02/2022 16:50

I have now seen the video as it is in the local press, it's been viewed hundreds of times I Believe.

All I know at the minute is that the client's family have been informed that the carer has returned to her role

OP posts:
TravellingFrom · 27/02/2022 16:51

That’s what happens when there just isn’t enough carers.

Yes she should have been sacked. But just now, it’s probably a choice between having her knowing she isnt great but hasn’t physically harmed anyone and not having her and leaving quite a few people in the shit with no carer at all (which could mean a pretty dire situation for them).

As for what to do if you have to work with her? Polite but distant. Focus on your job and know that she won’t be able to behave that way if you are around.

Prettynails · 27/02/2022 17:12

@whatwasIgoingtosay

I think the two instances you relate are appalling. Anonymous tip-off to the local press about the situation? Or a word with your local MP or councillor?
This
Catlover77 · 27/02/2022 17:13

The care quality commission or your local authority should be looking into this

TangoWhiskyAlphaTango · 27/02/2022 17:18

I would leave and work somewhere that actually respects its service users safety. There are thousands of carers vacancies around have you thought about it?

poppupppirate · 27/02/2022 17:38

I would be moving my relatives care to another company if I had hired their services. Absolutely appalling and shameful and they don't deserve to work in care.

This wasn't a one off moment of frustration, which although unacceptable, could be understood, this is just bullying, nasty behaviour towards a vulnerable person who is probably paying good money for their care and assistance.

Scum.

1FootInTheRave · 27/02/2022 17:59

This needs taking higher.

Please report to cqc as a minimum.

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