Precautionary Suspension

[redstar1]

For some time now there has been an element of confrontation in our office place, starting some years back with allegations of bullying and harassment by one person (backed up by another), against almost everyone else but specifically me. I refuted these allegations at the time, and pointed out the lies told by person 2 to back up person 1's allegations. Following the standard investigation by HR these were thrown out and no action was taken.

 

Last august a new set of allegations were made along the same lines ranging from accusations of being the ringleader of a group of people harassing person 1 to my having an affair with someone in another office with the purpose of bullying person 1. Lies told by person 2 were integral to these allegations, including an email sent to HR suggesting I should be subject to criminal charges. This investigation is still ongoing but the allegations have been answered in detail, with witnesses and email evidence supporting my position.

 

Person 2's behaviour is becoming erratic however and they have made wide ranging and bizarre allegations against any number of members of staff, culminating at the end of last week with an allegation that I had 'images' on my PC. 2 pornographic images were found on a 'server' which they claim can be linked to my PC (no more information was forthcoming as to how or where they were found), a picure of a woman and an image of male anatomy. I categorically denied that these images could belong to me, but as is the procedure I was warned that it could constitute gross misconduct and I was placed on precautionary suspension while further investigations are taking place. I've no problem with this, there are a number of ways I could inadvertently have such material, a part of my job can be recovering files from hard drives and usb pens. Or, as I suspect, person 2 could be arranging a set up as they have done to another member of staff in the past.

 

I am awaiting being recalled to work for a meeting and I'm wondering what I should expect in terms of information about the 'evidence'. Do I have to wait until they present it or am I entitled to ask for it in advance of such a meeting? It is hugely frustrating with the feeling of being kept in the dark, especially over something that could have serious implications.

 

Thanks for any advice.

[elpulpo]

It depends what the nature of the meeting is.

If it would be considered 'an investigatory interview', where they wish to speak to you as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter, then no.

If it's an actual disciplinary hearing, where they feel you have a case to answer and are accusing you of misconduct, then yes, certainly they should provide you with all evidence they intend to rely on prior to the hearing.

[redstar1]

It depends what the nature of the meeting is.

If it would be considered 'an investigatory interview', where they wish to speak to you as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter, then no.

If it's an actual disciplinary hearing, where they feel you have a case to answer and are accusing you of misconduct, then yes, certainly they should provide you with all evidence they intend to rely on prior to the hearing.

 

Ok, I'm expecting a letter confirming the suspension and what happens next but it hasn't arrived yet. I understand the procedure but I think it is a very weak case, but that's just my opinion. There is a suspicion that it is part of a larger investigation into person 2's activities but I'm keeping speculation to myself.