Suspended since July!!!

[Emmzzi]

Hi, what is the reason for the suspension please?

 

And how many work colleagues have access to your FB profile?

[Emmzzi]

"Reasonable" time period - so you need to allow a bit for holidays, and if there had to be a new investigation

 

Facebook usually falls under either harrassment or bringing the organisation into disrepute. Or "messing about on the internet when you should be working." Policy not often required.

[Emmzzi]

It's not the fault of the technology.....that's like saying "damn pen and paper!" as you send your mate a note slagging off your boss....

[Emmzzi]

well, I guess someone was offended by them.

 

What grounds are you appealling on?

 

Also if you are sure you have a case I'd get your ET forms in now.

[Emmzzi]

Identical or similar?

 

Either way, if you think you have a case, lodge your ET forms and pay your fee.

[Emmzzi]

what exactly did you say, and who saw it?

 

I can call someone an offensive racial slur, they work somewhere else, and someone from work sees it and is offended by it. That'd be a problem for an employer!

[Emmzzi]

It was an anonymous letter that I have proved was malicious not a genuine complaint, and the posts were topical tongue in cheek humour, and my settings were private friends & family only, so no one unless invited could view

 

Ok - I can't offer an opinion without the exact wording, and I can understand you not wishing to post that. I think you need to see a solicitor.

[Emmzzi]

Emmzzii,

 

Not blaming the technology, just annoyed someone else has got themselves in trouble on there.

 

Really need to think about stuff you put on there, it doesn't appear to matter about the privacy settings.

 

You are completely correct smokejumper! Privacy settings mean very little.

[Emmzzi]

I think you were unlikely to have been dismissed simply for social media use and it may have been bringing the company into disrepute or theft of company time.... what does your actual dismissal letter say?

[Emmzzi]

So the dismissal wasn't for use of social media.. so the fact they have no media policy is irrelevant.

 

Sadly one of those things, if you wouldn't say it to the bosses face, you don't put it in writing. Old problem, new medium.

[Emmzzi]

well, you can go into some more detail on "tongue in cheek humour" for a more detailed opinion, but as I say, if you wouldn't say it to the boss's face...

 

Things that would get you sacked at my place if you posted on FB

 

..my clients are so stupid they..insert punchline

 

anything racist or sexist

 

my boss is a *insert curse word*

[Emmzzi]

I'd say it's important to know when you're flogging a dead horse.

 

Panel member who doesn't like t'internet? Doesn't change what you posted. Irrelevant.

 

Additional info after the event - depends. Depends if it was substantial or if they had enough to let you go at the first investigatory meeting, etc.

 

Being a union member would be handy here as they'd know what sort of penalties others had got.

 

Pleading overly harsh penalty and oodles of remorse tends to get you further at appeal than arguing the toss about why management are evil. Is only logical.