Hi All

After my post earlier this week with regards to work. (comments made by my colleagues on social networking site about me that was took 2 year ago) Well Ive found out that my manager disregarded what my union rep said to her, and decided to speak to the people involved, and didnt speak to me about it, probably thought that i would forget it all and brush it under the carpet.

Anyway I asked my manager for a chat about it, and she is basically denying that she knew about all of this, (please bear in mind the people involved are on the other team and all the 3 managers in the workplace are friends out of work with these people).

This was the reason my union rep asked for a neutral manager to do the investigation into the Grievance, which was sent to HR.

HR have replied to say that my manager is being the investigator, when i specifically asked for neutral as i beleive they are trying to push me out.

My depression (i have bipolar) suffered for 10 years has got much much worse and I have started to close in again.

At the end of the day I have done nothing wrong to any of these people, I have struggled so much this year and was off for 9 months and returned and completed my phased return - still working full time hours and these people have done this? I am so angry and annoyed! These people have made me loose my confidence and i feel as though I cant trust anybody in the workplace.

I just dont know what to do next as my union are also being a bit slow with getting back to me and i feel alone in all of this.

Thanks Michelle

Hi Michelle ,
yes try the ACAS number above , you could try an advice centre but the Union should be better placed than them at dealing with the issue .(including free legal help etc)

If you are not getting the service you need from your local rep then get in contact with their regional office to discuss this , as these days there is sometimes a conflict of interest at local level.
A local rep may not be aware of all current legislation to the level required as well (including the Equalities Act 2010)

As Angie states .. keep a record of everything and keep copies of any correspondence .

All the best
Rich :)

Hi thanks for your help,

I have worked for local government for 11 years.

Always worked very hard until I got ill this time last year with RA.

It really it getting me down, the union rep at work has only just been appointed, so he wont have much experience, I have also been in contact with Secretary at Unison and not heard anything back.

Ive been anxious since finding out about all of this on Friday, i am on leave today and i am starting to feel anxious about returning to work tommorrow.

I shouldn't have been put in this position when just returning back to work after being on long term sick leave, i was doing so well and this has knocked me for six.

I will contact Acas and see what they say.

Thanks again x

Hi Michelle

Don't just wait for Unison to reply - get back onto them. By phone, letter, e-mail. Whatever it takes. This will get results and hopefully you will feel you are taking control - we don't want others to control you, you are the important person here - it is your case.

No good having an inexperienced rep for this sort of thing. Be good for them to sit in as a learning experience but probably not to handle it alone. You are paying for this support, you can be a strong woman, let them know what you want, we all have it in us to overcome difficulties.

Keep us all updated as we are thinking of you. The stress is likely to bring on another attack so lots of deep breathing, but also, as I say above, take control.

I used to run stress management courses so would love to be able to provide you with some techniques. Will have a think as to how I can do this.

Angie

hi Michelle,

just wanted to say what wonderful advice and support has been given on here,

i can't add anything as fortunately i am no longer in the work place ... to be honest i don't think i'd survive out there now.

i hope you have support from family and good friends as they are like gold dust in times of troubles.

sending you love and hugs and post as much as you can we are here for you,

Suzanne x

Hi Michelle

I feel for you with everything that is going on in your life at the moment. You have received really good advice so do please follow through. As Jean has already suggested do give NRAS a call, even if there is nothing they can do to help directly they will put you in touch with someone who can. Do keep posting ... support from those who understand is so valuable at times like these.

All the very best Michelle,

Lyn x

Has anybody heard how Michelle is getting on?

Michelle

I have been following your problems with interest as my Husband went through a similar grievance procedure about four years ago. The most valuable thing I can say to you is you have the right to take someone else on your side into any grievance meeting with you. They can be someone from outside your company. I would definitely consider this for anything future so that any discrepancies in what and was not said can be clarified by your independent witness.

I feel for you as my Husband and I battled over two years against a grievance and after I had produced folders full of evidence and statements and after my Husband had been through many gruelling meetings, we eventually won.

Keep battling and I hope you get a positive outcome.

Jackie
xx

Hello Michelle

Thank you for your update on your situation. Well done for sticking to your guns.
Good luck


Rose