false accusations/bullying

This is on behalf of my son-in-law. Works for a building company mostly on fire alarms. owned by brother-in-law who makes no day to day decisions and wont cross his dreadful management. Was called to meeting on Friday (5.2) several people had been sacked that day for falsifying hours. Only thing he did was copy the previous week from one of the sacked - thought they looked right anyway. Two managers in the meeting - nobody with him! He was sworn at, called a liar and thief. Handed a piece of paper and pencil and told to tick all the name of people who falsified hours. He was told to tick those who had been sacked and himself. did as told cos was so intimidated. Was accused of misuse of work mobile - receiving a photo message. While one manager (very abusive One) went to get bill (showing mms) other one said just admit you lied. Still had all messsages on phone (fortunately) and mms was business card of boss showing telephone number to go collect a vehicle. This matter then immediately dropped. Was advised to go home and come in 8 am Monday when decision would be made. Now been told still looking into it. Think they have no proof and are trying to find something to sack him for. Could also be trying to find someone to cover his job - no one else to do it! Is one of only odd few people still there from before current management came in - most others left or been sacked! No HR in today so unable to see them. Has not been paid for hours worked last week - paid basic week - worked 12 hours overtime. Has worked long hours away from home for a long time at expense of young family. He is very honest and very hard working and this is so unfair. I could cry for him.

Yes I think a solicitor may be a good idea - it would appear the "sacked" people or at least some of them have already started going down that route. It would appear the time sheet he copied is correct so nothing there and they have nothing else or they would have already got rid of him as they did with the others. Its just so unfair that he could be bullied like this - he only a comparative youngster with not a mean streak in him and totally honest. Just got to sort something that not expensive - they got no money and unfortunately we can't help eiher.

Hi - sorry been poorly so not got round to lookng at site. He is currently still employed by the Company. For how much longer - not sure - they are looking for some reason to get rid of him. It's def not pleasant. He is looking for another job, but they not easy to come by at present. He is just going in, doing job and coming home at moment. not working overtime either. If they do get rid of him on "a whim" or some pathetic reason, I have already told him unfair dismissal will be route to take. He is still attempting to see personnel re the treatment of the other week - ie being sworn at, called a liar etc.

still never answered your question - several years so well over the 12 months

the only experience i have is through being suspended, and from the advice i've been given on here by experienced people! i suggest that if he's in a trade union to get in touch with them immediately, failing that, i guess a solicitor or citizens advice would be the next port of call.

does he have a copy of their disciplinary policy? if not i would request this from HR. may also be worth giving ACAS a ring for advice too.....The Acas Helpline is the place to go for both employers and employees who are involved in an employment dispute or are seeking information on employment rights and rules. The Helpline provides clear, confidential, independent and impartial advice to assist the caller in resolving issues in the workplace.

Monday–Friday, 08:00–20:00 – 08457 47 47 47 Monday–Friday, 08:00–20:00 – 08456 06 16 00 (Minicom users)

Saturday, 09:00–13:00 – 08457 47 47 47

keeping a diary of all communication he has between him and his employers is also a good idea!

i hope he gets this sorted and things work out for you!

OK, I think you may be worrying unnecessarily at this stage.

If the employer has any grounds to believe there has been some wrong doing they need to inform him in writing stating clearly what it is they believe he has done and the possibly consequences. They must invite him to a meeting to discuss it and give him the opportunity to respond to the charges and offer any defence. He should be given reasonable notice to prepare for the meeting and should be provided with any evidence prior to the meeting.

Following the meeting the employer must give him the outcome of the meeting in writing. The outcome may be dismissal depending on the seriousness of the offence or it may merely be a written warning. Regardless of the earlier accusations, they cannot dismiss him until they have carried out the above disciplinary procedure.

Just a thought but I would advise he join a trade union. It may be too late to help him with this particular issue but may be money well spent should he experience any future employment problem and need help. I would say UCATT might be the most appropriate union but check it out.

wizzywiz Sorry I cant advice you but my thoughts are with you and your son am sure you both will get stronger through this.

Thanks for all the info. I will pass all this to my son-in-law. He is still there at the moment, but i honestly think they are looking for some reason to get rid. However the meeting info is very useful, so is joining a union for future probs (hopefully none). Thanks once again