Disciplinary advice

[taurus77]

Hi,
I'm facing a disciplinary at work. I feel that there is nothing to answer to and need advice.
My manager accused me of gossiping, he spoke to several colleagues about me including one who hasn't worked for us for 3 months - he asked her at the Xmas party which she attended after she left. She was agency on temporary work.
He only had 2 members who said anything negative, and both were either gossiping about me or were notorious troublemakers.
Now he has told me he has evidence; this is messages I sent to a colleague asking if she knew why I was being singled out. Non of the messages were negative or derogatory. The colleague has given the messages to my manager.
What should I do?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

How long have you been at the company if over two years then ask for proof and fight it

If under two years then stop gossiping and tell them you are sorry you did not mean to upset anyone and will stop straight away

The reason is they need not reason to sack anyone under two years so you are better to have a warning than loose your job

 

[taurus77]

I have been there for 5 years. The messages have been included as evidence under behaviour deemed inconsistent with company values. The messages are the only evidence. My manager also asked someone who was not a manager or supervisor to monitor me and also stated to colleagues I wasn't to undertake certain jobs. This was immediately prior to the notice of disciplinary. I feel singled out.

 

[taurus77]

Anyone?

 

[woodss]

Is this not bordering on constructive dismissal?

 

[taurus77]

That's what I thought, I will try and post up the messages and then can someone help me with a defense or how to approach it?

 

[taurus77]

Will have to type out the exact conversation.

Me: Quick one hun, has G*** asked you anything about me? Xz

Colleague: No why?

Me: He seems to be asking other people, like M*** at the Christmas party and T***.

Colleague: About what?

Me: About me!! Lol! I don't know why I've put lol since its not even funny. He seems to have something against me, I've had enough. I don't do anything wrong yet he's apparently spoken to M*** who said I was the reason she left and that I'm negative. Apparently T*** also stirred up stuff too, saying I hadn't done something when I wasnt even asked! Why is he asking these people and actually believing them? X

Colleague: I have no idea

Me: It's all a bit unprofessional since he is only taking third hand info and not finding out for himself. M*** didnt leave because of me, she got a new job. And I don't get why she would say that? X

Colleague: I haven't spoken to M*** so I have no idea, have you not spoken to G*** about it?

Me: I did but he seems to believe that, or he's made it up. I dont know. Its upsetting and causing me stress. I just don't understand why hes being like this. Does anyone go up to his office after I've gone? X

Colleague: I don't know, if you feel that way speak to G***

Me: I don't think that would help.

Colleague: Well I don't know what to say, I know nothing about anything

Me: Ok, will just keep my head down. Are u ok with me? X

Colleague: yea

Me: Ok, just no kisses on replies so wondered! The small things and all that! X



And that's it, apparently this is negative and derogatory and the reason I'm in for disciplinary. This comes after I was told off another colleague that the manager had asked someone to monitor me.

 

[taurus77]

Is it even possible to use these messages, given that it basically only points out that I feel singled out?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

It could be that the manager was just investigating a complaint made by another of even himself and seeing the depth of the problem by asking around staff who worked with you

Gossiping can get out of hand and may be seen as derogatory to the person being talked about or not in the companies interest

Ass its not likely to be a gross misconduct the worse thing likely to happen with your years of service is a written warning to stop, but until you attend the disciplinary you will not know the charge against you

 

[taurus77]

But the content of the conversation isn't what I would class as gossip. Unless I'm missing something!

 

[woodss]

No kisses on replies? Are you eleven?

 

[taurus77]

Haha! No, we were very good friends up until this point.
I am looking for advice since my manager is using this as disciplinary evidence.
I appreciate you have taken a minute to reply however your comment is of no use.

 

[FirstClassVirtualOffice]

Well, your colleague clearly knows all about it and isn't as much as a good friend as you thought and is staying well out of it and distancing themselves from you. That's clear as mud from those messages, as I see it.

But no, as an observer they aren't gossip messages. Go to the meeting and see what they say. Then consult acas if you feel they are wrong and get advice. You might want to wonder though, why several people aren't being friendly towards you and even this good friend isn't a good friend anymore. Are you sure you're not saying things that are getting people's back up? Either change how you are at work and dont talk about others even if you trust them, and keep your head down, or move on.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Your not in the Big Brother House are you?

 

[taurus77]

I keep myself to myself most of the time at work as I'm quite a shy and quiet person. I don't involve myself in anything that doesn't involve me and I don't socialize with any colleagues outside of work either.
I have to point out that I was a victim of bullying from this "friend" when she started with the company. Subsequently she got to know me and we became friends. She has since changed roles and has been promoted. I was happy for her.
This was so out of the blue and I'm still unsure why this has happened, we haven't fallen out.
The manager is a new one, and I've never had any issues with anyone other than the"friend" in the time I've been there. Like I say I keep my nose out of practically everything but do my job very well.

 

[Annie Starks]

That's really distressing... Sometimes such things happen, when there is a candidate to your position. Especially, when a new manager comes, he\she wants to employ team players from the previous job.

 

[Annie Starks]

My advice is to go on with your job and stop asking your colleagues about this gossip issue. BUT start looking for some other company.

 

[FirstClassVirtualOffice]

Your friend is looking after No 1 - promotion requires loyalty - to the employer not you.

 

[Newchodge]

Get a copy of your disciplinary procedure.

Are you facing a disciplinary investigation or a hearing?

Who is conducting the investigation? Who is chairing the hearing?

If the manager who has instigated the investigation is also chairing the hearing you need to raise a grievance, as there should be separation between investigation and decision making.

Have you been given, in writing, copies of the case against you?

If you have copies of the case against you, go through it all and prepare your answers to each point and to the case overall. If you do not have copies, and the procedure states that you should, ask for them.

Answer the allegations as dispassionately and factually as you can. Do not make allegations against the people making allegations, unless you have done so before.

Join a union. They won't be able to do anything about this case, but you may need support in the future.