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Original poster

Accused of Racism at Work

15 replies

Chanel12 · 28/12/2023 23:19

Hi,
I went through a hellish time after someone accused me of racism at work. At first I wasn't too worried because I knew it hadn't happened in any shape or form but as time went on the HR department organised a large scale investigation interviewing every single person on the team!
I was initially interviewed thinking it was to do with ending the accusers employment because they had failed in an extended probation and had not managed to meet the required standards. However, at this meeting I was informed concerns had been raised about me and it had been alleged I had somehow been racist.

The investigation concluded a few days ago and the allegation was not upheld and not substantiated. However, the accuser is still in employment.
How can this be right? I did everything asked of me, did my job correctly and identified this person was not a good fit for the job. They had also changed names on someone else's training and submitted it as their own, were witnessed sleeping on shift at least twice, witnessed shouting at a vulnerable client, shouted at colleaugues and also myself.

As their final date approached they knew they were failing and I raised concern with the HR department they were going to fail and they said they'd take it forward. That was weeks ago!
Am I just to sit in silence and be thankful I didn't lose my job and reputation through this or can I somehow hit back?

I was put through so much stress and anxiety, it just doesn't feel right this person is not held accountable and still has their job.
Thank you for reading!

OP posts:

HalebiHabibti · 28/12/2023 23:22

That's not your problem at all. The fact that you were exonerated means that they know this person can't be trusted. I wouldn't be surprised if they are let go at some point in the New year without you doing anything to stir thr pot. Leave it.

Neriah · 29/12/2023 11:27

Are you this persons manager? If not, what happens to them is really not your business. You have been cleared of the allegation made, and from your point of view the issue is over. If you are their manager, what arrangements have been made for someone rise to manage them?

Nomagicflute · 29/12/2023 11:29

Yup, just leave it. What can you actually do anyway.

NewYearNewYu · 29/12/2023 11:51

There is nothing you can do. Just be grateful that the team backed you up in their interviews.

vivainsomnia · 29/12/2023 12:01

They might have a disability. In which case, HR might feel they have to be triple careful before dismissing them.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 29/12/2023 12:08

There's 2 issues - try and keep them separate. One is that you were accused of racism and cleared, the other is that someone isn't performing at work.

HappyHamsters · 29/12/2023 12:14

You have done all you can, HR are aware of the staff failings so it's up to them to sort it out, it might be they were given a warning, offered extended probation, training. They won't let you know the outcome, you were exonerated, don't let this eat you up.if you feel strongly and the only way forward is to resign then consider constructive dismissal. If the colleage is putting clients at risk report to social services, governing bodies .

Neriah · 29/12/2023 12:18

Do not resign unless you are prepared to have no income / employment. You will not win a claim of constructive unfair dismissal, full stop. You have no grounds or cause for such a claim. Don't even consider it.

ChillEmber · 29/12/2023 12:19

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 29/12/2023 12:08

There's 2 issues - try and keep them separate. One is that you were accused of racism and cleared, the other is that someone isn't performing at work.

Agree with this, it may also be the case that HR is following due process to avoid being sued by said individual for unfair dismissal. Once the issue of racism has been raised, even if disproved, people will and should be extremely careful - HR included who will be trying to cover their backs incase it escalates in the future. This person is on the way out, leave it.

arewedoneyet · 29/12/2023 12:23

Tbh i would ask in legal section or potentially seek proper legal advice as no one knows the qualification of anyone giving advice on here.

I'd also be careful that people can't identify themselves or others from what you've written on here cause that could cause other issues.

tribpot · 29/12/2023 12:25

I would have thought HR needed to conclude the investigation into the complaint of racism before being able to pursue terminating the person's employment (since presumably the other person has claimed your complaint was a lie based on racism).

I would assume that since then everyone has been basically out of the office and his line manager (not you?) will be working through the steps early in the new year.

It must have been an extremely stressful experience and I'm glad that you've been exonerated.

Original poster

Chanel12 · 29/12/2023 16:48

I 'was' this person's line manager but not now.

OP posts:

tribpot · 29/12/2023 17:47

Okay good, it makes sense to keep you well away from the process of managing this person out.

NancyJoan · 29/12/2023 17:59

My husband had a similar thing happen last year. Accused by under-performing team member, full investigation, salary increase and bonus put on hold. It was honestly awful. It was months before the investigation found zero evidence, at which point the team member was signed off sick on full pay. DH just glad it’s over, but it was a really awful time.

LadyLeei · 29/12/2023 18:08

Same thing happened to me. I was also this persons line manager. He was under performing and was on a PIP. I was also accused of racism and dragged through the same process. No evidence of racism found, but the whole thing took 18 months. My company finally managed to get rid of him, but it wasn’t easy and I still hate him when I think of what he put me through. His allegations against me was all made up and lies.

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