I have just been suspended from work pending an investigation for smoking on an unofficial break during working hours. does anyone know where i can get help from i really love my job and the boss is a bully and has wanted me out for a long time i want to fight her all the way with this one any ideas would be of great use to me thank you
2007-10-18 02:43:58 · 24 answers · asked by lynsey m 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
i had to be on an unofficial break because the boss hadn't turned up for her shift on time and i had been in on my own for over 3 and a half hours any break taken would have been unofficial with her not there and its my first time doing this
2007-10-18 03:21:09 · update #1
I'd be interested to know how many people answering this and saying you have stolen company time, are doing so while they are at work (even though it is true).
Just out of interest - if you were at work on your own have you had a lone working assessment for H&S purposes? This should be carried out to ensure the safety of an employee required to work on their own. If not you could maybe mention that at the same time as what someone else has suggested (saying stressed cos of bully boss, etc).
2007-10-18 05:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by KJ 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you have been suspended then you will get a chance to talk to your managers....but I think you might have blown it.
Its not the smoking issue really It could be the fact that you were sneaking out for an unofficial break that did it.
Make sure you read your companies policy before you go steaming ahead other wise you might make a tit of yourself.
When you break rules someone will report you and maybe if you are honest this was not the first time that you did it....Think about it carefully and honestly and perhaps you should go to the meeting and apologise for your behaviour.
2007-10-18 02:52:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You weren't suspended because you were smoking you were suspended for stealing company time. What is an unofficial break except slacking off. You are being paid to work not smoke. I can't say as I blame your boss.
2007-10-18 02:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
In effect you were stealing time from work by leaving to take an unauthorized break. As long as the rules were known and enforced evenly they can discipline you. If they dont fire you based on your age, sex, race etc. you dont have much room to protest. Smoking is a hard habit to break but with more workplaces going non-smoking you really should consider it.
2007-10-18 02:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by Diane M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you been warned about this in the past? They need to give you a written warning before they can sack you unless what you've done is illegal or could be considered gross misconduct.
ACAS (I think some else mentioned this) is a good place to go for advice.
One other thing to consider - is the place in which you were smoking covered by the smoking ban. If it is, you could well be in trouble because you've broken the (petty little) law.
2007-10-18 02:50:10 · answer #5 · answered by mark 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Its going to be difficult as you took time out during work hours and without permission. Its a sackable offence as its similar to theft. But it seems a bit harsh to suspend you on such a small matter. Call up the citizen's advice to see where you can get free legal advice.
2007-10-18 02:51:59 · answer #6 · answered by beanie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tell them that you have been smoking due to the stress that your bully boss puts you under and that you're gonna sue their asses if they sack you!
It's called Constructive Dismissal!
Tell them you have a diary full of the stuff that she's been doing to you! Do some crying and tell them that your GP knows about this situation too. Tell them that you love your job and promise to reform, but that you need the bullying issues sorting out........turn everything back round onto them.........tell them that you've been waiting for an opportunity to bring this up, but that you've been frightened. You don't have to consent to the bully being present when you tell them this.
Good Luck âº
2007-10-18 02:57:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I think the key words there are 'unofficial break'. You have not been suspended for smoking, you have been suspending for taking an unauthorized break.
2007-10-18 02:48:08 · answer #8 · answered by eriverpipe 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
If you knew your boss was out to get you then ask yourself why you gave them the chance to get you (1) by taking that break, and (2) by smoking ! ! !
2007-10-18 03:31:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rules are clear. You broke them. She has every right to sack you.
For too long all you smokers have been buggering off for half the day on 'unnoficial' breaks while us non smokers carry on working. It's about damn time you were made to do the work you are paid for.
2007-10-18 03:08:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋