Advice Needed Please

[leannescott_6]

hi, im looking for some advice, ive been working for my employer for 3 years now and i have received a written warning and due to appear at a hearing tommorow, i recieved the warning as last friday i took a sick day from work and my partner called in to advise them i wouldnt be in, the reason for my absence was because on the wednesday my supervisor was harrasing me and accusing me of taking drugs and thoughout the day she was making comments about this even after i told her that i wasnt. on the friday i was off i was meant to be working with my supervisor again and i was up most of the night worrying as i didnt want to listen to her accusing me again, the reason stated on my letter for my warning was that i did not contact management to explain my absence, i did not answer calls or texts from them, i did not explain to management the reason for my absence on return until asked to do so also not apologising until asked to do so, i feel this is a bit harsh i know i should have called in myself rather than my partner, but im unsure if i should have maybe received a verbal warning first as ive only ever been off sick one other day. many thanks leanne.

[ErikaPNP]

I'm pretty sure an employer has to give an oral warning before a written warning, except obviously in the case of gross misconduct.

 

I'm a little confused about why your supervisor accused you of drug taking. If she is harrassing you, you need to raise a grievance about that.

[elche]

I'm pretty sure an employer has to give an oral warning before a written warning,

 

An employer can give a WW even though you do not have a OW. Often this will be in cases that the employer views as 'serious misconduct'.

 

In addition most handbooks state that the usual warning system (OW - WW - FFWW - dismissal), can be varied and the employer is entitled to 'take into account the employee's length of service when applying disciplinary sanctions...'

 

If you feel the warning is inappropriate you should appeal. The appeal should be dealt with by someone other than the person who gave you the WW