How on earth can they get away with this?

[OhHeyOwlFace]

I'll try (and probably fail!) to keep this brief.

I started a new job less than 2 months ago. Just part time. For a very large well known company and in the care sector - however .. I am not a carer. My role is to work alongside them to an extent

Job going well. Great feedback, no issues. Until 3 weeks ago when I raised a concern about a carer. I overheard her verbally abusing a very elderly resident with severe dementia, she was clearly rough handling her too as I heard distinct slapping noises (but I did not witness this) I am 100% sure of what I heard spoken though, as I stood on the other side of an ajar door.

I was shocked and upset and immediately reported it as a safeguarding concern to my manager. She told me to write it down but not to name the carer at all in my letter

I did this and a day later, another manager (who runs the care floor) followed me into a kitchen and asked what had happened. I told her and she said ' that's my best carer, I have never heard anything like this before,' and 'you've never worked with dementia patients before have you?' with a snapped on her face and shaking her head. She made it clear she did not believe me.

two days later, I was called to an investigation. I gave my summary of events to two managers and was told I would not be informed of the outcome of the investigation. (Fair enough I suppose)

The carer in question has never been removed from the care floor as I've seen her on the premises ever since

But I've been moved from my duties ever since reporting. Given jobs such as cleaning out cupboards and moving things from one office to another. Sent home hours early because they had nothing for me to do. Forbidden from going into the care floor where the majority of my work takes place.

I asked why I was being punished but was met with a shrug.

This has gone on for the past few weeks and yesterday I received a letter from my manager inviting me to a probationary meeting on Tuesday. To discuss concerns about my performance. These concerns were listed and they are - without exception - made up, totally fabricated. One of the points - to give an example - says ' you clocked out early on Thursday 26th' ... I DO NOT WORK ON A THURSDAY! Another point said ' you went for a walk.' .... I am flummoxed. I've never 'gone for a walk.'

There were zero concerns about me prior to me reporting a safeguarding concern and I've never experienced this in 35 years of working

So I'm obviously being stitched up here and I understand that. They're removing the problem and that's me. The carer remains as they are very short staffed - who knows?

So I shall resign of course. That's not in doubt but how? How can they do this? The village manager is going to be in on my 'meeting' and therefore she's complicit in what has happened

I have reported this to the CQC - the care equivalent of Ofsted I suppose. My workplace were reported last year and visited - and are now 'requiring improvement' in the areas of safety and leadership so nothing has changed

I know I have no leg to stand on as I've been there for only a matter of weeks but please - can someone tell me if this is normal? What on earth can I do to help me understand why reported abusive behaviour is not being taken seriously?

I'm not in the slightest bit concerned about keeping my job. I do not want to work there

I'm concerned about abuse going on, the managers being complicit in it and then fabricating stuff against me to get me out asap

In what world is this acceptable?

@MissMoneyFairy I think I'm still in shock tbh! I just need to get my head around the fact I worked hard, I was diligent and careful and kind in all my interactions with residents and I've found myself in this position. It just seems so weird.

I did consider the press but I don't want my name plastered anywhere. I just don't.
So that ends that one!

I really hope they get what they deserve.

@MissMoneyFairy and yes, the poor residents. Putting aside the fact this carer is still there, what about the other issues I saw on the weekend working I did? A lack of carers meant there were residents still in bed, in urine soaked pads at lunch time. Some residents still sat in the dining room at 11am, long after breakfast was over. Fluids not being given. Just on and on

Honestly what a shocking update. Shocking because they have failed to follow the most basic HR procedures and have put their evidence of your concerns in your 'not passing probation report'. I half wish you would take this to an employment tribunal on the basis they have dismissed you due to raising a concern which is harassment. Although I get it would be a lot.

A close friend has had a recent spell in a care home and some of the things the husband has told me about his wife's 'care', like you say it's something you'd otherwise struggle to believe to be true!

Likewise, I have been on the receiving end of a stitch up from a previous employer many years ago and it leaves you open mouthed with disbelief (and furious).

It sounds to me like you've done everything you can. Hopefully action will now be taken against this company.

Well done for speaking out. You did the right thing.

Hopefully there will be some good carers still there, it's not their fault it's understaffed and some might find that upsetting if they can't give a high level of care. What was your job there, would you look for the same job somewhere else.

OP please talk to ACAS about this to find out if you can take them to a tribunal. I know you don't want the job, but if you take them to the cleaners they might buck their ideas up.

@MissMoneyFairy I would never do the same job elsewhere because what happens if I spot something again? I think I'd be even more hyper vigilant to it than I was before!

My job was coordinating activities - anything from birthday celebrations to putting on whole village events to quiet jigsaw puzzles or painting with a dementia resident. I did current affairs groups with the independent living residents and memory games events with those with cognitive decline.

And I really loved it! And now it's all gone to shit as I couldn't keep my mouth shut. That's what it boils down to really

And I saw some lovely carers there. Some really very good indeed. Kind, compassionate and patient.

When collared by the care floor manager the next day, the one who said ' that's my best carer! I've never heard anything like that!' she said to me 'you've not worked in dementia before have you?' with a sort of smirk which said ' you haven't got a clue.'

And that's where my behaviour with her came into it - one of the points they tried to have me on. Because I said 'no I haven't but I have worked with human beings before and I know how to treat them'

So yeah. Did myself no favours at all. I should have reported anonymously but that's not who I am.

I'm sorry to hear that they did this to you. They've behaved despicably. You'd certainly have a case if you did want to pursue it with appropriate support.
For now, be glad you're out of a toxic environment and hope that the council and CQC will take action.

This is so shocking 😮

Very late reply, but you can hire a union rep (don't need to be a member) if you contact Castle Associates. It's an agency to hire union reps in this type of situation. I used them myself in a grievance and they were amazing. Hope this helps anyone else reading the post.

Go to the LA safeguarding and report this. I'd also report to the Police as this is assault

I work in the industry and I'd like to thank you for advocating for this poor lady. Places like this where there is a climate of covering up should be closed. I am so very sorry to hear you have been treated like this-- you are amazing

I'd resign before I was pushed if I am honest. That way in work history it won't be a dismissal

Big hugs