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Really Really need advice my world has just crashed

438 replies

LIW4 · 06/11/2022 14:52

Sorry for the lengthy post but any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. I've tried to give as much info as possible
I returned home from work on Wednesday to find out my husband has been suspended from work. This came on the last day of a 4 week holiday. He told me it was to do with intimidation but totally baffled as to the circumstances. I know suspension isn't a knee jerk reaction

He's not allowed to contact anyone at work inc the union rep.

Letter has come through the post and I've demanded to see it. it basically confirmed my thoughts that I'd not been told everything. He was suspended pending an investigation into intimidating behaviour, harassment and unprofessional behaviour.

I more or less said you must know something, who this is and why but he still maintained he didn't. He's been saying oh but you're working and we don't need the money like we used to.

He's right I do work, full time it's not bad pay but I digress.

Something didn't seem right to me, I've had suspicions of his behaviour for a very long time. Coming home late by some 90 minutes most days. Him getting tetchy and defensive if I said anything but insisting nothing is going on.

I checked his phone and I'm absolutely sickened. He has constantly been emailing/messaging this woman at work saying sorry (doesn't state what for) didn't mean it, I want for things to go back to what they were, let's meet up for a coffee and clear the air, sorry, sorry, sorry, I miss our chats, I can't talk to other people like I can talk to you, I love you-oh when I say that I don't mean it in a romantic way. I mean as a friend someone to talk to. What have I done I'm sorry. Please be my friend again

Now as much as the above hurts and it's blinding obvious to an idiot he clearly fancies this woman in a big way. One message wouldn't upset me as much as the thousands upon thousands saying the same thing over and over for the last 2 years.

This hurts, really hurts and I want to cry, scream, shout. I want to physically hurt her for basically destroying my family and my kids but I'm not blind either. I don't know how much I would have taken before raising it either.

Technically the above is bullying intimidation and harassment whether my husband chooses to bury his head or not over it. I can't believe he can't or won't see that

I've never met her, don't want to, she's not my cup of tea going by what I know of her, dropping off and picking her son up and dumping for months at a time from age of 5 onwards.

My question really is, would the above be enough for sacking someone. I've a job/its good/well paid but it's not enough to keep a roof over me and my kids roof
Arguably He's not implied or otherwise that he fancies her the wording is more around friendship if I'm correct that an investigation would focus on the actual content rather than a blind idiot would know you wouldn't bombard someone this much if you didn't want more.

Whether my marriage can survive this is a different matter. I know financially I can't afford the bills

I'm just looking for help and the liklihood that he would be sacked. I've included everything I know. His work otherwise is fine-I think

Also he has to attend an investigation meeting to get his side but won't be told of the facts till he gets there. I sort of understand this so that he can't come up with convoluted baloney like he thinks I'm swallowing.

I'm presuming He's going in and giving his side to the accusations set before him. He's told he can't have anyone with him.

Then they'll decide what action if any is needed and called to a disaplinary hearing. I'm presuming that he can have someone/union to this?
Would he be able to discuss/speak or is it final. He said this/she said this. We find you guilty after our investigation and we will dismiss for gross misconduct.
Can he challenge this/look for ways to sort/resolve

Would I be correct that they have already investigated it given they have suspended him pending an investigation?

I suppose all he can do is confirm he'll stop harassing/messaging and hopefully they'll accept it given their is no written sexual harassment or implied in the words. What's the liklihood this will happen?

Does anyone know how many cases like this end in dismissal?

Sorry for the lengthy post. It's been the hardest and most upsetting thing I've ever had to post/say in my life. Not to mention my heart is absolutely broken

I'm in Wales just in case the law is different to anywhere else in the UK

OP posts:
PhillySub · 11/11/2022 21:07

"In my experience it is not usual to be allowed representation during a representation."

I don't know where your experience comes from but in my experience if an individual is the subject of any work related/based inquiry then they are entitled to have their union rep with them at every stage.

OverTheHillAndDownTotherSide · 12/11/2022 07:57

PhillySub · 11/11/2022 21:07

"In my experience it is not usual to be allowed representation during a representation."

I don't know where your experience comes from but in my experience if an individual is the subject of any work related/based inquiry then they are entitled to have their union rep with them at every stage.

Technically not at investigation stage.

Also, not all employees recognise unions.

VanGoghsDog · 12/11/2022 09:08

OverTheHillAndDownTotherSide · 12/11/2022 07:57

Technically not at investigation stage.

Also, not all employees recognise unions.

Yes, the right to a companion is only from the hearing stage. But, it's irrelevant whether the employer recognises a union, an individual is still entitled to bring a union representative at hearing stage.

OverTheHillAndDownTotherSide · 12/11/2022 11:00

VanGoghsDog · 12/11/2022 09:08

Yes, the right to a companion is only from the hearing stage. But, it's irrelevant whether the employer recognises a union, an individual is still entitled to bring a union representative at hearing stage.

Indeed. But unlikely to be allowed to speak on behalf of the employee unless as part of reasonable adjustments.

VanGoghsDog · 13/11/2022 01:41

OverTheHillAndDownTotherSide · 12/11/2022 11:00

Indeed. But unlikely to be allowed to speak on behalf of the employee unless as part of reasonable adjustments.

The companion can actually speak on behalf of the employee if the employee wishes them to (nothing to do with disability/reasonable adjustments).

It's answering direct questions that the employer can decide whether or not to allow:

www.acas.org.uk/disciplinary-procedure-step-by-step/step-4-the-disciplinary-hearing#:~:text=The%20employer%20may%20agree%20to,discipline%20and%20grievances%20at%20work.

Maybe stop posting stuff you don't know about?

EmmaGrundyForPM · 13/11/2022 04:02

How are you doing OP? Is anything any clearer? I hope you've got some RL support

Gumreduction · 17/11/2022 17:00

Guessing op won’t be an for an update?

ReneBumsWombats · 17/11/2022 17:28

Gumreduction · 17/11/2022 17:00

Guessing op won’t be an for an update?

She doesn't owe us one.

youtwoandme · 17/11/2022 22:19

That poor woman. Being harassed by your husband and now by you!! Saying you "want to hurt her"?!?! You sound dreadful.

CPL593H · 18/11/2022 07:08

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

CPL593H · 18/11/2022 07:12

@LIW4 apologies, posted on wrong thread and tagged wrong user. I've reported, sincerely sorry.

Crucible · 18/11/2022 07:33

Yes sorry I think you're kidding yourself that this is not sexual somehow;

I love you but not like that

You're blaming her in so many ways and calling your husbands behaviour 'technical'

I think a cold hard look at his behaviour is warranted, and it doesn't look good . Victim blaming helps no one and I think you know he is going to lose his job. If he has been refused union support (that's highly unusual) think perhaps that the union rep believes that support in this matter is beyond what is reasonable for them and may be a police matter.
Prepare yourself OP.

Crucible · 18/11/2022 08:00

Oh sorry I meant to wish you better days ahead. 🌱

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