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Original poster

Scared I’m gonna get sacked

43 replies

Badmistake999 · 29/11/2017 09:51

I took something that was ‘used’ home.
Between myself and my colleagues we usually do this as it would just end in the bin. But I feel a certain colleague has escalated an investigation as higher management would class it as theft.
I’m pretty sure I wasn’t seen by anyone in person or by cctv but I overheard a conversation about cctv being checked, an investigation to gather evidence, how the person in question shouldn’t assume they can do this just because of their long service.
When they realised I was present they then gave this person a gender by saying ‘him’ which I felt was for my benefit (to throw me off)

I don’t need to be told how stupid I am or that I deserve it.
I would just like some advice on how I should handle it (if/when) I’m called into a meeting.
Shall I view all evidence before commenting? Shall
I immediately go on the defensive?
Shall I admit it and walk out?

Realistically I need to keep the job, with xmas next month,kids and house to pay for.
Not to mention that if I’m let go I wouldn’t get a reference for a new job, how would I explain that to new employers?
I’ve been at my job 10 years.

OP posts:
Pinky333777 · 29/11/2017 14:27

I'd tackle it head on and arrange to meet management myself to admit and apologise and reassure it would never happen again.
It might reflect better on you if they see you view it as a mistake and your honesty.
Good luck x

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 29/11/2017 14:27

Follow JaniceBattersby's advice. Wait to see what (if any evidence) is presented and admit nothing at this point.

I can't believe some of the responses on this thread. You sound really scare, Bad but no knee-jerk reactions, that wouldn't be in your best interests.

Post back after the meeting and perhaps ask on the legal board?

Original poster
Badmistake999 · 29/11/2017 14:31

I am shitting it, been thinking about it all night. Mostly because the meeting I overheard will be conducted by the head management and not my line manager and he does think highly of me. It would be one of those, I’m not angry just disappointed type conversations.

OP posts:
Kelsoooo · 29/11/2017 14:37

Good luck

crisscrosscranky · 29/11/2017 14:40

IF there's a meeting I would do the following:

Ask who has made the allegations against you

Ask why your colleagues were aware of your alleged misconduct before you (if they were talking about it amongst themselves)

DO NOT LIE. If they do have evidence this will make it so much worse.

Throw your colleagues under the bus if you must- if others are doing it you could argue it's custom and practice and therefore a warning offence but not a dismissal.

Remember that employment law fairness is determined on the balance of probability not proven beyond doubt so don't try to outsmart them because you think they don't have CCTV evidence.

Original poster
Badmistake999 · 29/11/2017 14:50

I don’t believe any other colleagues are aware, as I have been trusted his past week with stock/money etc...I would’ve thought that they would try to keep me off such responsibilities if they were knew an investigation was under way.
Throwing others under the bus I’m not sure I would do, although there are plenty other things I could bring to their attention that has gone on.
Mostly undercharging staff members and drinking alcohol on shift.

OP posts:
retirednow · 29/11/2017 18:08

You know you shouldn't have taken it, just because it's been done in the past and others do it doesn't make it right. If they say this is what the meeting is about then just be gracious and apologise, acknowledge you made a mistake and promise not to do this again. Don't blame other people.

retirednow · 29/11/2017 18:10

If you start talking about undercharging staff, drinking alcohol on shift etc they will ask you why you didn't report this before and probably just see it as you trying to justify what you did.

Bratsandtwats · 29/11/2017 18:23

Do not admit anything. The onus is on them to provide proof. Plus it might not be you they are after anyway.

TidyLike · 29/11/2017 19:08

Wow, the head management are involved in a meeting to reprimand staff for taking food and drink that was going to be binned? If they have nothing better to do with their time, they ought to be worried about being laid off themselves. The while thing sounds so absolutely ridiculous that I'm thinking you must have the wrong end of the stick! I do hope so ... because what an inefficient way to deal with an issue like this. Imagine the field day the press would have if it got hold of this story - if it's a big company it would be odd of they were to risk it! Good luck though OP ... it's horrible dreading something like this ❤️

Viviennemary · 29/11/2017 19:23

Even when companies usually ignore this kind of thing, if they want to cut down on staff or get rid of anyone in particular they can make this the reason. It's difficult to know how to handle the meeting. If they have conclusive proof that you took stuff and you deny it that will look bad. If they're not sure and you deny it you may get away with it.

If you admit it. There again it could go against you to admit it if there isn't proof. If you ask to see evidence before commenting this looks suspicious too. I suppose the best thing would be to say you didn't think it was very important. But that might not go down well either. TBH I don't think there is that much you can do. It will depend on them.

PantPlot · 29/11/2017 19:28

It's not quite as trivial or silly as some might think. I know manufacturers that treat staff taking 'waste' as gross misconduct as it can lead to deliberate over ordering and product making its way into market stalls and Honest Delboy shops etc

PantPlot · 29/11/2017 19:32

Sorry that wasn't to stick the boot in to the OP, just musing about earlier posts.

Original poster
Badmistake999 · 29/11/2017 19:37

I’ve either guessed the wrong day planned for this meeting or it’s my guilty conscience.
Everyone went home 2 hours before I started.
I wouldn’t start mouthing off about anyone else or what goes on here anyway, I’ve dealt with matters I’ve seen with my own eyes with ‘a word!, or it’s on your head’ comment.

OP posts:
RedDogsBeg · 29/11/2017 23:03

Okay, it sounds like it was your guilty conscience I hope so for your sake.

Stick rigidly to the Company Policy now, OP, all the stress and worry of today must prove that a bit of food and a few bottles of drink are just not worth losing your job and your reputation over.

Desmondo2016 · 29/11/2017 23:08

I would think in this context the phrase 'length of service' could equally relate to a newbie

Rubyritz · 17/12/2017 12:08

What was your outcome??

Original poster
Badmistake999 · 07/01/2018 22:39

Sorry for the late reply,
Luckily it wasn’t anything to do with me. A colleague gave away a drink to a customer.
I have stuck to the rules ever since, it truly scared me shitless

OP posts:
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