Do I have to answer to my employers about comments I made on Facebook concerning the company I work for.

[RATTER15]

I have made a few disparaging comments on facebook about the home I work in, I havent named the company that I work for or the name of the Home or any person. A few other staff have also made similar comments.

Today the Manager called in one of the staff members concerned and she was questioned about these comments and was made to make a statement.

The comments were made whilst off duty and on our own personal PC's.

Are we bound to answer any of these questions in this investigation about what was said on Facebook.

What is our legal position with all this, I will be leaving this employ as soon as I find another job.

[RATTER15]

Ok, I suppose I should delete it but only because of the fact that this is also getting my colleagues into trouble by their comments, and I will state that fact.

[DTCwordfan]

I would delete it and add to your statement. "As a gesture of my good faith to the Company and, that in no way incriminating that I am responsible for an act of bringing the Company into disrepute or an intent to do so, I have already removed the said comments."

[RATTER15]

The screen has been printed, I dont regret saying what I said, I just wish other colleagues didnt jump in with support as they are now in trouble!

[4getmenot]

we have it on contract not to mention work on the web. I guess 'had a bad day today' is ok

[boxtops]

I'm sure we have something similar, 4get, hence my colleague got into so much trouble for it.

[boxtops]

I've just searched back, the comments I spoke of were not posted on FB, they were actually on Friends Reunited, but the same principle applied.

[DTCwordfan]

and thats where Ratter needs to start, the contract......

[RATTER15]

My contract just tells me to refer to the employees handbook, this is kept at work. I will read it tomorrow.

[RATTER15]

Ok, I have deleted my post and put up a new post saying:

I have removed one of my posts today from Facebook, I have removed it because other staff members are supporting the comments I made and are getting into trouble because of it. I had no intention of involving other staff members, including those that messaged me in private. thanks for all your support guys.

[Purple_Popple]

Very wise Ratter :) hope all goes well.

[RATTER15]

I think they should suspend me on full pay for 10 weeks while they investigate it. :-)

[RATTER15]

Also please understand, I really have been fighting so hard for the rights of my residents for nearly five years!! Severe dementia sufferers do not have a voice of their own, I have tried to be that voice, if it costs me my Job then so be it.

Im not happy to walk away from this job that I love but I will happily walk away from my current employers and their Manager!

I would just rather have another job first.

[TWR]

As boxy has said, someone will have printed out your comments, It's well know now with F.B. & the amount of people that use it. Viewers / speakers Beware.

[anneasquith]

do you expect to be interviewed tomorrow, ratter ?

[Eve]

Read up on reasonable investigation and disciplinary processes etc... on the ACAS website and document and keep copies of everything, make notes of meetings, accompanied if possible, who said what when etc...

[RATTER15]

Ann, most likely.

[jno]

depends if it names or identifies *you*: if so then people can find easily enough who you're talking about.

If it's a totally anonymous comment on a totally anonymous subject, why would anyone ask you about it in the first place?

[boxtops]

What's that got to do with Ratter's predicament, TWR?

[anneasquith]

ratter, what statement was your collegue asked to make ?