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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be told why I’ve been suspended?

43 replies

HelloWorld2577 · 14/11/2024 23:15

I’ve been suspended with pay for at least a week and that’s basically all information I’ve been provided.

AIBU to want them to tell me why they’ve suspended me? Or do they not have to? Do they have to tell me the ins and outs once they’ve investigated such as who put in a complaint or is this all anonymous? The only thing I’ve been told is I’ve been suspended due to my behaviour at work & they have suspended me whilst they investigate the ‘allegations’ made by someone in my team.

I have read our policies and I have done nothing to constitute dismissal or even a disciplinary. I’ve never had a disciplinary or warning or any HR involvement. Genuinely any allegations made are false & I know exactly who and where they’ve come from. it is a he said she said situation but obviously this is causing me a lot of distress.

I have looked on so many employment law sites but just wondered if there are any HR or anyone with experience on here!

I know the disciplinary process is to get statements from all involved but suspension I can’t find much on the process. My main concern is when they let me come back to work that they won’t give me any information about the facts of why they suspended me in the first place! them simply saying they’ve found the allegations are false isn’t enough in my opinion. They need to tell me what allegations were made and why who!

OP posts:
Interlaken · 14/11/2024 23:21

them simply saying they’ve found the allegations are false isn’t enough in my opinion. They need to tell me what allegations were made and why who!

Whilst I can understand why you would want to know. I’m really not sure they should tell you- presumably you would be looking for a retaliatory action to happen. And it probably won’t. Particularly if it is more “he’s a bully” type of situation.

I would have a think about whether you really want to go back there, and maybe look for something regardless.

Have they given you a timescale?

TwattyMcFuckFace · 14/11/2024 23:28

Are you in a union?

I'm guessing not, as sadly it seems like most of MN aren't.

I'd contact ACAS immediately, as they'll have the answers you're looking for.

Lavender14 · 14/11/2024 23:32

I second getting yourself a union and a rep ASAP. I've investigated similar types of situations in work and unfortunately couldn't give a reason why to the person suspended until I had gathered enough information to be clear with them on what exactly the allegations were and formal statements had been taken which unfortunately took some time. All they knew was that there had been allegations and it was being investigated. You could ask them for a time frame.

Very very stressful for you and I think making sure you've got support around you, but professionally with a union, and personally as well is so important. Keeping a calm level head will work in your favour.

yehisaidit · 14/11/2024 23:55

Usual process is:

An allegation is made

If it's serious enough, which it sounds like this could be, they'll suspend you. You should be on full pay during this time.

The suspension, as upsetting as it may be, is to protect you as much as whoever made the allegation and to also allow the process to be carried out fairly.

While you're suspended they'll investigate. Meaning they'll speak to any and all witnesses to try and piece together what happened. They'll want to do this fairly quickly, because it's costing them money you being at home.

At some point you'll be invited in to have your say. You should be told what the allegations are, or the incident etc, however they can't tell you who it came from. In my experience, it isn't hard to figure it out, however hard they try to keep things anonymous.

Once the investigation is complete, they'll decide on a course of action.

If a disciplinary is to take place, you'll be notified in writing and offered the opportunity to have a companion / union rep with you. Along with this letter you may be sent a copy of the investigation notes.

After disciplinary, there'll be an outcome. This may or may not be a separate meeting.

You need to understand that unless the person making the allegation agrees, they'll keep things anonymous and won't be able to confirm names.

While you've got this time off, have a think about who you'd like with you at these meetings. Want a union rep? Join a union if you aren't already a member.

Whatever you do, do not try and contact work colleagues to discuss or find out what is happening - you could be accused of trying to sabotage the investigation process and it won't do you any favours.

As hard as it is, sit tight. If you know what this is about, get your evidence together and stay cool, calm and collected.

Good luck

Bertielong3 · 19/11/2024 07:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Isatis · 19/11/2024 07:56

Interlaken · 14/11/2024 23:21

them simply saying they’ve found the allegations are false isn’t enough in my opinion. They need to tell me what allegations were made and why who!

Whilst I can understand why you would want to know. I’m really not sure they should tell you- presumably you would be looking for a retaliatory action to happen. And it probably won’t. Particularly if it is more “he’s a bully” type of situation.

I would have a think about whether you really want to go back there, and maybe look for something regardless.

Have they given you a timescale?

If they find one employee is making false allegations against another, surely they have to take action in respect of the one who has been found to have been lying and/or malicious and/or exaggerating?

DoreenonTill8 · 19/11/2024 08:00

Isatis · 19/11/2024 07:56

If they find one employee is making false allegations against another, surely they have to take action in respect of the one who has been found to have been lying and/or malicious and/or exaggerating?

That's what I would think, if someone was making vexatious provenly false allegations against me, I'd want to know so I didn't place myself at risk of further allegations by being in their presence again!

Jellycatspyjamas · 19/11/2024 08:07

I second getting yourself a union and a rep ASAP.

If you’re not already a union member they don’t be able to support or represent you in this situation as it predates your membership - I’d join now for any future issues, it always makes sense to join a union.

If you are already a union member then yes, this is what they are there for. If not definitely speak to ACAS as they’ll give specific advice around your rights.

Interlaken · 19/11/2024 08:17

Isatis · 19/11/2024 07:56

If they find one employee is making false allegations against another, surely they have to take action in respect of the one who has been found to have been lying and/or malicious and/or exaggerating?

Someone can make a complaint in good faith, and for it not to be upheld.

HR coming back and saying ‘no further action’ does not mean a complaint is vexatious.

DoreenonTill8 · 19/11/2024 08:23

Interlaken · 19/11/2024 08:17

Someone can make a complaint in good faith, and for it not to be upheld.

HR coming back and saying ‘no further action’ does not mean a complaint is vexatious.

But it also doesn't mean it isn't!

Interlaken · 19/11/2024 08:29

DoreenonTill8 · 19/11/2024 08:23

But it also doesn't mean it isn't!

Of course.

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 19/11/2024 08:32

I would ask them for a time frame regarding the suspension.

Very difficult, but if you have done nothing wrong, try not to worry about it.

Marshbird · 19/11/2024 08:53

Jellycatspyjamas · 19/11/2024 08:07

I second getting yourself a union and a rep ASAP.

If you’re not already a union member they don’t be able to support or represent you in this situation as it predates your membership - I’d join now for any future issues, it always makes sense to join a union.

If you are already a union member then yes, this is what they are there for. If not definitely speak to ACAS as they’ll give specific advice around your rights.

This. Why do MN poster always say join a union

yep, join a union for the future absolutely

but they won’t take on an existing case. Why would they ? She hasn’t paid any “dues” up till now.

join a union folks, BEFORE an issue like this occurs. Issues in workplace don’t come with years of warning, they pop up and bite you on the bum, and it’s too late then to get the help.

Northernladette · 19/11/2024 08:54

Unfortunately a Union won’t take on an existing case.
Haven’t read all the posts, but I’d be looking for another job 💯

Lifestooshort71 · 19/11/2024 09:08

Northernladette · 19/11/2024 08:54

Unfortunately a Union won’t take on an existing case.
Haven’t read all the posts, but I’d be looking for another job 💯

Why look for another job? I'd wait for the outcome first before I even thought about leaving without knowing what a reference might say! Give them a chance to investigate and try not to worry.

Startingagainandagain · 19/11/2024 09:09

Do you deal with the public?

I wonder if this was an external complaint or if one of your colleagues made that complaint...

I would be serious annoyed as well because I would think that one of my colleagues was being spiteful and trying to get me sacked. Not the type of atmosphere you want to be working in.

Doggymummar · 19/11/2024 09:17

I was suspended as their was an allegation of racism against me. I was told the reason by my manager, but the letter was kept neutral. I was on full pay and invited back in after a week. No evidence was found. The person who made the allegations (17year old) apologized to me off their own back and asked to remain on my team. She couldn't explain why she did it and I never really trusted her again, but I did trust in the process.

LIZS · 19/11/2024 09:19

If you return you could make a dsar and request the details. However some information, like the name of a person making the allegation or whistleblowing and witnesses, may be redacted.

Tessasays · 19/11/2024 09:20

Oh god, I can only imagine the anxiety of this. Hope it's all resolved quickly

Hollyhocksarenotmessy · 19/11/2024 09:31

Hi

I hope this gets resolved quickly for you.

If not...companies should now be extremely careful with suspensions. While they've historically been seen as a 'neutral' act during investigations, a number of tribunal cases are changing that and AVAS issued reviewed guidance in 2022. It emphasises the impact of suspension on the employee and employers now need to demonstrate careful consideration of each individual and whether there's genuine risks if they continue to work throughout an investigation. Automatic suspensions are a very very bad idea legally now. They should only happen if there is absolutely no other option.

It can now be breach of contract.

I'd give ACAS a call.

I'd also contact your employer by email for a written record, asking them not what the investigation relates to, but asking them to explain their decision that immediate suspension was the appropriate action. Hopefully they'll shoot themselves in the foot and you'll have evidence in case you need it.

Lindjam · 19/11/2024 09:35

So you do know what it’s about.

You should be interviewed as part of the investigation, so you will get the opportunity to put your side across.

If there is a broken/difficult working relationship behind this, you should join a union so you are better protected for future issues. Or find a new job.

bigkidatheart · 19/11/2024 09:46

Your employer should give you a clear reason for the suspension and explain what other options have been explored instead of suspension. If you are suspended because of allegations against you, you are entitled to know what the allegations are

This was taken from the unison.org website

ComeAgainPlease · 19/11/2024 11:38

your manager won't be able to tell you who made an allegation, but without telling you WHY you were suspended (eg what was alleged) then how can you avoid doing it again ... perhaps message them along the lines of "I understand a suspension is to allow for a full investigation, but I am absolutely sure I have not contravened any policies or workplace protocols. Please let me know the reasons for my suspension so I can understand what I am alleged to have done wrongly, and can improve if needed as I am keen that this never happens again"

Pherian · 19/11/2024 11:47

They don’t have to tell you who made the allegations. Although it will be pretty clear once they meet with you to discuss.

Like others have said - don’t contact people you work with. Don’t respond if colleagues contact you. Only speak to the person who is officially conducting the investigations.

You also want to be very careful about what you post on social media where you could be identified- like Facebook etc.

Getting ACAS advice would be a very good shout.

Pherian · 19/11/2024 11:55

Unfortunately, that’s not how this is going to go down. I’ve had to make a workplace grievance for bullying against myself. This person was not suspended during the process, we just couldn’t communicate with each other. She actually continued her behaviour during the process and was given a written warning which was on her employee file for 18 months. It wasn’t so serious that someone would have lost their job over, she was just a cow who couldn’t do her job and smeared others to make herself appear half competent.

To be suspended is very very serious. If the allegations are found to be true the OP is going to lose their job, not be invited back and given a chance to try and improve. They will be called to a meeting. The allegations explained and the evidence of which they are forming their decision on and they will be handed a box with their stuff in it and escorted out of the building.

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