Defamed in an email

[Titterofwit]

I was sent an email about work matter and the person dealing with it stated that I had (not appeared to have ) done something which I had not. The email was copied to both my manger and his manager.
I object to this as although I dont think it will affect my standing with the managers the person sending the email does not know this.
Copying in both managers is not standard practice so I also see this as an aggressive act.
My question is - can I declare libel in this case? Or is there another term when it comes to colleagues within the workplace setting?

I am determined to take this further as this person apparently is 'difficult' and abrasive so has not been challenged about behaving in this way.
This is local government by the way.

Hit reply all.

State the facts.

Be unemotional just facts.

See where it goes

If this Edson is difficult keep it all over email.

Is this person employed within your organisation or external? It's not clear.

I agree that you inform him he's mistaken and provide evidence. If there's no damage caused what is your grievance except feeling unfairly treated?

Ive had similar on friday and today! On a bloody sunday! Ive emailed back asking for clarification because ive done what they said i hadnt. I also attached the evidence. I also copied in all and sundry

Defamed is probably strong. If it is the first time I would reply to all stating my facts. If it happens repeatedly go to hr and put in a complaint of bullying or harassment

First rule of stuff like this is try to resolve it informally and without emotion. Reply, state the facts and hold the moral high ground

My question is - can I declare libel in this case? Or is there another term when it comes to colleagues within the workplace setting?

How serious are we talking here?

There are a multitude of accusations which you'd never want to take down the avenue of a libel suit. Eg you forgot to do something that was your responsibility on the project and it's caused the project to fail to meet a milestone - yes it's serious but in the grand scheme of life, not earthshatteringly bad.

If they accused you of embezzling or some kind of fraud, or accepting a bribe from a supplier for giving the, some business, where they've included two senior people in your organisation in the email, and refuse to back down, then that's a serious matter.

the, = them

Thank you for the responses. I am probably blowing it out of proportion here - mainly because I pay attention to detail and I have been accused of taking a ridiculous short cut. It is in-house by the way.
I cant reply to all unfortunately as the email is attached to a one way form so it cant be resent without making it look weird.
But then again maybe thats whats needed.
Yes I feel 'got at' but also since it was sent higher than necessary I feel harassed.
Good thing we are both working from home otherwise I might have taken matters into my own hands literally.
However, it will all be done via email with the utmost politeness.

Thank you for making me see its not as big an issue as I wa
s imagining it to be.

Create a new email to the same people, resounding to what the person said. Unemotionally and factually but taking no shit.

Do not let this go, otherwise it will happen again.

Good thing we are both working from home otherwise I might have taken matters into my own hands literally.
You're threatening physical violence, but they're the abrasive one?

You do not have a case for libel.

Good thing we are both working from home otherwise I might have taken matters into my own hands literally.

And that is the only reason you have for not taking a violent approach? You need to reconsider your approach to life.

Just copy the mail into a new one, reply all, say thanks for the note, just to confirm I did xyz.

Yes you are over reacting.

Copying in managers is a dick move but it's not libel, what on earth?!

It's a totally normal but irritating thing that happens a lot.

Libel in the workplace is quite a tricky thing to prove - you'd need to show a loss such as losing your job or that the statement made you unemployable as your reputation has been so damaged.

Definitely raise a grievance though - personally (IANAL or HR btw) I wouldn't focus on the managers being cced as while that isn't standard practice it's not something "wrong" of him to do, but rather on the material facts and why you feel he acted maliciously rather than just being mistaken.