Mrs NW Suspended on full pay!!
Discussion
cossy400 said:
If your holding all the cards which is as it seems from your posts.
Why is expectation low??
Expectation of anything positive from the initial meeting. Long-term I am very positive about her chances.Why is expectation low??
We did get all the "evidence". Statements from 2 people that were certainly made in isolation as they do not correlate. They are investigating theft of £920. When Mrs NW returned to work she actually found £600+ because her "manager" had made a basic bookkeeping error. The accusation is factually incorrect. The list goes on. I just wish I could be there as I rather enjoy playing cards with a fistful of aces!!
Jasandjules said:
OP, did it go as expected?
In all honesty she isn't too sure how it went. Present from her employer was an external "investigator" and the HR director (in job for just 3 days). Having established Mrs NW wasn't going to lie down and get steam-rollered and realising their "facts" didn't correlate or support the accusations they tried to nail her on other aspects of her performance, primarily "wastage". Wastage is the amount of produce leftover at the end of the day. Mrs NW has been running at a rate of around 4% (expectation is c10%) so very efficient. Wastage should be binned. Now when there is something edible left and bearing in mind she and her staff are often too busy to eat themselves, they might dip into some of that wastage (who really wants to see perfectly decent food thrown away?). Apparently this is against policy and that seems to be where their main focus has shifted.........Mrs NW will send me the notes over the weekend for me to analyse and the employers have committed to getting back to her by the end of next week.
They wanted to see her bank account details for the period in question, Mrs NW refused and suggested they brought the police in if they were so certain and that she would be quite happy to share bank details with them. I think their sails were then totally wind-free!
All in limbo for now!
Siscar said:
NormalWisdom said:
Siscar said:
it's one persons view from a biased perspective.
Explain "EXACTLY" how you know thatSiscar said:
As for posting rates, it depends what is your main activity, but I can assure you that if you go through a phase when your primary focus is fighting cancer then your rate may climb a little, it's a good way to occupy time.
I'm very sorry to hear that - Fight it hard and good luckSiscar said:
There is nothing in law that says precisely how this stage should be conducted
That may well be the case but ACAS has quite specific guidelines which are ignored at the employer's peril. As for the Wastage thing, Mrs NW and each of her staff have an allowance of 2.50 per day which they more often than not take from the wastage bucket (it was the only term I could think of!) once they've finished working. As stated, they are too busy to eat at other times.
Vaud said:
OK, I'm going to play barrack room non qualified lawyer for a second / devils advocate.
An employer doesn't have to document every process or guideline.
The food belonged to the business, including as waste.
As clearly demonstrated, the tracking of wastage is very important and a key measure.
The staff, by eating part of the wastage (even a small amount) would skew this measure.
And, it isn't paid for by the staff, so theft (?)
As I said, devils advocate and not how I would approach it as an employer, but it's a possible angle.
Incorrect - The wastage % amount is calculated before it is taken and besides, they never take more than their 2.50 allowance. Sure it isn't correct procedure but it's best for everyone.An employer doesn't have to document every process or guideline.
The food belonged to the business, including as waste.
As clearly demonstrated, the tracking of wastage is very important and a key measure.
The staff, by eating part of the wastage (even a small amount) would skew this measure.
And, it isn't paid for by the staff, so theft (?)
As I said, devils advocate and not how I would approach it as an employer, but it's a possible angle.
Edited by NormalWisdom on Tuesday 27th May 08:44
Anonamoose said:
As there is no documented process they have decided they can change their stance on this and use it against your wife.
This would indeed appear to be the case. One would have hoped common sense would prevail.Facts:
All wastage must be binned (this is a documented procedure)
All kitchen staff have a daily food allowance of 2.50
Kitchen staff are usually too busy to eat until the end of the shift so rarely get a chance to spend the 2.50
When there is edible wastage (i.e. sandwiches/wraps) they will take, up to the value of their allowance, produce from the wastage bucket. This is after Mrs NW has calculated all the daily figures so it does not skew thae wastage % - In fact, had they had time to use their allowance during the day, the wastage figures would be even lower.
There have been several occasions where wastage has been 0% and her manager has told her that cannot be submitted to HQ and to artificially inflate the number...............
elanfan said:
elanfan said:
The theft accusation is spurious at best and malicious at worst. This accusation must be well known now at the school and is doubtless the subject of gossip and tittle tattle and whatever the outcome will malign your Mrs. From what you say it seems there is no way your wife could have been involved - with this in mind do you not have grounds for a defamation of character suit against them? perhaps one point to drop in to the next meeting??
Norm - what is your view of this?This has indeed been the case, in fact her "temporary" replacement was introduced as the new Catering Manager the day after she was suspended!!! Mrs NW has mentioned defamation of character but I am just a "Google Lawyer", the Union are however pursuing a number of angles on her behalf and if necessary I will engage BV's solicitor recommendation who has already been very helpful.
MrsNW returned to work on Tuesday. As her employers had "overlooked" training on cash handling and wastage she was to meet her manager for said activity. It took around 4 minutes, he handed her a bunch of policy documents, told her to go home, read and sign!!!!
She went back Wednesday, had a pretty decent day (the school's GM who has it in for her was out all day). Yesterday the fan was covered in excrement from all angles! It transpires the GM had instructed the staff at the school were to have no dialogue with MrsNW under any circumstances. Some other members of school staff are under investigation for theft from the canteen (one of whom had a fortuitous bingo win about 6 weeks ago!), they were caught on CCTV. One of MrsNW's own staff (who MrsNW used to take to work) has told colleagues MrsNW picked her up in the morning so that she could give her stolen food!!!
Then it appears MrsNW's manager had a long meeting with the GM who was insistent she didn't want MrsNW in the school (this vendetta has roots going way back). Seems her manager was going to attempt to relocate MrsNW to a school that was scheduled to close in July and use that as an opportunity to be rid of her for good (not actually sure yet why that didn't happen as was quite cunning!)
I am utterly astounded that people can behave in such a way. MrsNW is pretty aware of the ways of the world but this is really knocking her. On advice from a personal friend (who happens to be general secretary of a different union) she will be tendering her resignation today and commencing legal action for constructive dismissal.
She went back Wednesday, had a pretty decent day (the school's GM who has it in for her was out all day). Yesterday the fan was covered in excrement from all angles! It transpires the GM had instructed the staff at the school were to have no dialogue with MrsNW under any circumstances. Some other members of school staff are under investigation for theft from the canteen (one of whom had a fortuitous bingo win about 6 weeks ago!), they were caught on CCTV. One of MrsNW's own staff (who MrsNW used to take to work) has told colleagues MrsNW picked her up in the morning so that she could give her stolen food!!!
Then it appears MrsNW's manager had a long meeting with the GM who was insistent she didn't want MrsNW in the school (this vendetta has roots going way back). Seems her manager was going to attempt to relocate MrsNW to a school that was scheduled to close in July and use that as an opportunity to be rid of her for good (not actually sure yet why that didn't happen as was quite cunning!)
I am utterly astounded that people can behave in such a way. MrsNW is pretty aware of the ways of the world but this is really knocking her. On advice from a personal friend (who happens to be general secretary of a different union) she will be tendering her resignation today and commencing legal action for constructive dismissal.
Just finished a 90 minute Skype with MrsNW.
Witness secured (99.9%), we have learned things which frankly belong in some ridiculous fantasy novel. I don't think I should say any more for now because it will go legal. Thanks for all the support and advice, I will update when appropriate.
Witness secured (99.9%), we have learned things which frankly belong in some ridiculous fantasy novel. I don't think I should say any more for now because it will go legal. Thanks for all the support and advice, I will update when appropriate.
MrsNW has asked me to convey her gratitude for all the messages of encouragement and help both here and via PM.
She has today tendered her resignation.
We are now taking legal advice, so until there is an outcome I will not post anything likely to be of detriment to anything that may happen as a result.
NW
She has today tendered her resignation.
We are now taking legal advice, so until there is an outcome I will not post anything likely to be of detriment to anything that may happen as a result.
NW
Just to update.
Mrs NW decided against tribunal, the stress she felt would not her already deteriorated health. They paid her 3 month's severance. She already has a new job, back into teaching which is really what she enjoys.
She and I both extend heartfelt thanks to all on here who have proffered perspective, support and advice, it was really appreciated. Special thanks to BV for an excellent solicitor recommendation.
Thanks again - NW
Mrs NW decided against tribunal, the stress she felt would not her already deteriorated health. They paid her 3 month's severance. She already has a new job, back into teaching which is really what she enjoys.
She and I both extend heartfelt thanks to all on here who have proffered perspective, support and advice, it was really appreciated. Special thanks to BV for an excellent solicitor recommendation.
Thanks again - NW
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