Following the thread that I had deleted last week about being suspended after I stupidly posted on Facebook that my boss was being a bitch when I couldn't get to work because of the snow, I've had my disciplinary hearing and dismissed for gross misconduct.
I've got the right to appeal, but don't think that there's any point as although the punishment is probably too heavy handed given that this was a one off, the circumstances under which the comment was made and my previous good record at work, it does specifically list "making offensive comments about a colleague on social networking sites" as gross misconduct within the company's web use and harassment policies.
I had deliberately ignored friend requests from anyone at work, but found out that my privacy settings weren't as I thought I had set them. Turns out that it was another member of my team who I don't have a particularly good working relationship with (I sat opposite with him and sometimes found it hard to diguise my irritation with his constant chatting and incompentence at his job)who found the comment and decided to show it to our boss.
So, now I need to start applying for jobs, but not sure how to handle questions about why I left my last company. I can't imagine that "dismissed for gross misconduct" is going to be particularly attractive to potential employers if it comes through on a reference. Am I right in thinking that it's best to hold my hands up and say that I did something stupid, that I've learnt from the experience and emphasise the postive qualities that I can bring to a future employer?
Thanks again to Flowerybeanbag, Ribenaberry and others who gave good advice on the other thread.