UK Employment Law - could I be sacked?

Question

I had reason to be cross with my employer at work (I felt my personal safety as a lone worker was being compromised), and was discussing this with another employee, and, as happens when people are upset, I was rather derogatory in my remarks. I have a feeling that his has been reported as my colleague has been asked to attend our employer's office.

If anything comes of this, a) could either of us be sacked if we refuse to discuss what was, after all, a private conversation with him, b) what's my best defence in order to avoid being sacked?

I don't belong to any union! :-(

There was a third person present, but as he was agreeing (seemingly) with what was said, I can only assume he's been a bit two-faced. So 'my word against his' might not work.

Answer 1

cant sack you just for slagging someone or something off, everyone has the right to an opinion! and i feel that you have good cause to aswell, if you are working alone, im assuming you work in a shop or something like that, dont you have a union rep, they could help you, or phone acas, they are great on employment advice, i used them myslef this morning, its 08457 474747, good luck

Answer 2

I think it all depends what is written in your contract. If i were you i would be honest about what was said, after all it seems they already know and surely lying will just make the situation worse. You could use the fact that you were upset and angry about youre personal safety being compromised as to why you made the comments, like you say we all say nasty things when we are upset. If you are a good worker and can show you are sorry about your comments then they wont want to lose you. You do have a right to a safe working environment though so if they have failed you there then that is something that needs looking at. I hope it all works out for you x

Answer 3

SAY NOTHING , if your employer asks to discuss this with you ,then you should ask for a formal complaint to be put in writing but under no circumstances discuss this matter with your employer until that is done ,you then have the right to take advice on the content of the complaint, an employer cannot dismiss you on the word of a third party..........Tim

Answer 4

your employee is entitled to a reply,health and safety at work is an important issue,you should have a health and safety rep or a union rep that you can talk to,lone workers are just as important as a team don't worry if no agreement can be reached at least you will have had the chance to highlight a hazard.if the firm try to sack you they are not Worthy employers

Answer 5

Have you got something about it in your contract, like undermining the reputation of your employer etc? One thing is a private discussion between two people, but when somebody else was present id say employer may have moral or contractual right to discipline you. But then it wouldnt be summary dismissal would it. I seen people getting written warning for this kind of thing tho.

Answer 6

Deny you said anything derogatory. If you only spoke to one other person then it's your word against theirs; it's not like you have a whole bunch of people to verify what was said.

That's why you always discuss things verbally and never email people - so that you can deny it afterwards.

Answer 7

It's no longer a private conversation when a third party knows about it. Yes the company may do whatever they decide unless you have union support.

Answer 8

not that I know of,
if so there would be a few of mine i would get rid of!

they prob wouldnt have a leg to stand on
unions don't have they weight they used to