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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Work made me take the blame when it wasn’t my fault

176 replies

madamovaries · 17/03/2022 10:31

I have a job which involves significant public scrutiny. There was a screw up at work where a male colleague messed up - I did nothing wrong, as my employer has repeatedly stated - and for complicated reasons, I’ve been made to take the public flak for it. I asked the company repeatedly to make clear it wasn’t my error but they refused. My (nice) colleagues are shocked and don’t understand why this man has been protected at my expense.

It has had a big knock-on effect on my ability to do my job as everyone I deal with keeps raising it with me and some people are even refusing to work with me. Over something I didn’t even do! The bosses keep saying it will blow over but it hasn’t at all.

It has also affected my health. I got sick with the stress, then caught covid. I also had a miscarriage which I don’t know was related obviously but has broken my heart.

I don’t really want to leave the job right now as I’d need to be somewhere else a while to qualify for mat leave pay, but should I just cut my losses and go elsewhere (another employer has thankfully been trying to poach me). I guess that would help restore my confidence which is at absolute rock bottom.

Aibu to feel my employer has failed in its duty of care?

OP posts:
Neighneigh · 17/03/2022 13:05

I'm sorry about your miscarriage.

There's a few things about the work situation. I would absolutely definitely take photos of evidence. I'd take it to a lawyer and ask them, if I resign now and go for constructive dismissal would it affect my chances of getting a new job. In the meantime keep the alternative job warm. I think you should go for c.dismissal if only to teach them that they can't treat people like that. If you've had to be the public face of the cockup then it's unlikely you'll get a public retraction or comment so it's important that you have something legal behind you. Sounds a total shitfest from their side and I really would get serious legal advice. And move. Good luck

Movingonup22 · 17/03/2022 13:06

That is outrageous. Talk to an employment solicitor.

godmum56 · 17/03/2022 13:06

@Katya213

Not a nurse are you? That’s usually the process when things go wrong in that profession!
no, if that happens in the NHS, no one write to the fall guy/girl and says "we know this wasn't your fault but we are going to publicly blame you for it"
carefullycourageous · 17/03/2022 13:07

If you are in a union speak to them, if not speak to a solicitor.

Today.

You do not have to accept the blame, even if they try to pin it on you.

Of course you should leave, this company is crazy. What is going on??

godmum56 · 17/03/2022 13:08

@madamovaries

Yes, I should state that I have correspondence from the company that clearly states “everyone knows this wasn’t your fault” at all.

Thank you for replying. I really appreciate it.
Feel very lonely right now.

then why not just publish it everywhere?
WeirdlyKind · 17/03/2022 13:09

@TheUsualShitshow

It's just a way of getting them out if the building. I've worked in places in the past where no paperwork was allowed to leave with you, and the no external storage devices were allowed. Post wasn't so tightly monitored.

converseandjeans · 17/03/2022 13:10

This is not acceptable and I reckon they are making you take the blame as they know you're going off on maternity and they are hoping it will blow over and be forgotten by the time you're back. Perhaps they're even thinking you may not come back?

What has said man said about you taking the blame for his mistake?

I think I would be tempted by the new position if they are interested in you. Leave then make a legal claim against the old company. Is it defamation of character?

Hellorhighwater · 17/03/2022 13:11

That sounds awful. I wonder if the people trying to poach you would allow you to benefit from the package early - can you negotiate that as part of your package? (I suck at negotiating, so apologies if that’s not how it’s done!)

ThePlantsitter · 17/03/2022 13:14

If your job is under significant public scrutiny, isn't there a journalist or two who would appreciate a secret tip off? Honestly I'm presuming you're a Tory MP or something.

Namechangehereandnow · 17/03/2022 13:17

You know you’re not being unreasonable …. Do something about it. Don’t know why you started a thread 🙄

MrsCremuel · 17/03/2022 13:27

@Namechangehereandnow for a bit of support and guidance re next steps? Where’s your empathy?

implantreplace · 17/03/2022 13:29

Well yes I suppose they have failed

But equally you failed in your duty of care to yourself to say no

And very odd that they have documented that you’re not in fault. Rookie error on their part

Useranon1 · 17/03/2022 13:29

Is there a reason you can't defend yourself and set the record straight?

implantreplace · 17/03/2022 13:31

It’s very odd op

That they asked you to do something underhand
And yet provided you with written confirmation that it was all untruth

Are you sure the situation is how you have outlined?

BlanketsBanned · 17/03/2022 13:35

I would question how all the staff seem to know what has gone on, any disciplinary matters are supposed to be highly confidential, why are the staff all talking about it and taking sides, who leaked the info.

chaosrabbitland · 17/03/2022 13:36

yes of course its failed , iv never heard of an employee being forced to take the blame for anothers mistake , but the company knows it wasnt yours and has stated so , sounds all a bit mad to me and you do need to take it furthur as its already affecting your job now if others are refusing to work with you and you dont want it hanging over you if you apply for another job, id be looking for legal advice

Lurking9to5 · 17/03/2022 13:36

I'd get signed off sick and job hunt furiously even if your next job isn't as well paid. Get out, this will ERODE you.

TheUsualShitshow · 17/03/2022 13:38

[quote WeirdlyKind]@TheUsualShitshow

It's just a way of getting them out if the building. I've worked in places in the past where no paperwork was allowed to leave with you, and the no external storage devices were allowed. Post wasn't so tightly monitored.[/quote]
Wow, really?

I thought you must have a secret second life as an assassin or a spy 🕵️‍♀️

WeirdlyKind · 17/03/2022 13:43

Nothing so glamorous I'm afraid! 🤣😁

billy1966 · 17/03/2022 13:46

OP,

Why would you accept this in any shape or form?

Namechangehereandnow · 17/03/2022 13:47

[quote MrsCremuel]@Namechangehereandnow for a bit of support and guidance re next steps? Where’s your empathy?[/quote]
Question from OP -
Aibu to feel my employer has failed in its duty of care?
OP knows the answer, why put up with it? Do something about it. OP already knows this …..

StrawberryLollipops · 17/03/2022 13:49

@converseandjeans

This is not acceptable and I reckon they are making you take the blame as they know you're going off on maternity and they are hoping it will blow over and be forgotten by the time you're back. Perhaps they're even thinking you may not come back?

What has said man said about you taking the blame for his mistake?

I think I would be tempted by the new position if they are interested in you. Leave then make a legal claim against the old company. Is it defamation of character?

Yes, they think you are anyway going on maternity and may not come back. If you do go back, the bloke will have been promoted by then and be your boss.

That's what happens to men who screw up. They get promoted.

girlmom21 · 17/03/2022 13:50

Why did you agree to take the blame?

UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea · 17/03/2022 14:05

If no one has said it yet OP, make sure you know what you want to achieve if you take action against your employer. Be prepared for a long slog, you have to start at the very beginning of the complaints/grievance process and work through.

Fleur405 · 17/03/2022 14:07

Definitely speak to a solicitor- sounds like you may have a case for constructive unfair dismissal.