suspended from work

[hazelcs]

After a complaint by a student working at nursery all 3 people in the nursery room have been suspended while investigations are on going. All 3 said that little things have been twisted, turned around, exaggerated and even downright lies been told. But as all 3 work together will they be believed - they have all give 3 individual statements on fri before been asked to leave. Will they need legal representation if asked back in to nursery or any other dept, care commision, social services, etc??
As of now we are waiting to hear what the procedure wil be, do we get pay?, will it be a black mark in our careers, even if not proven? Also have to ask if we can we go back and work with all the other persons, and manager that could think thiscould happen by us, although parents are being supportive.

[buildersmate]

This is a concerning and stressful time for you, and many ABers will empathise with your situation. Please take comfort from knowing that it is a very common process to suspend an employye whilst an investigation occurs. You should be paid normally during this time. Being suspended doesn't imply anything.
You should have been given a copy of your own statement, and, before any more time elapses, I would write down notes about anything else you rememeber about what was said to you on Friday - it may help you later.
If it is decided (following investigation) to invoke the disciplinary process of the company, you have a right to be accompanied by a colleague/friend during any hearing. If you are a member of a Union, you should contact them now and explain what has happened. Write your own notes of any meetings you are asked to attend.
Its impossible for me or other ABers to comment on who will be believed. Suuggest talking to a friend in whome you can confide whilst you are waiting for news. The 3 generic potential outcomes are 1) you are reinstated with no further action 2) you are reinstated with some form of written warning that is put on your personal file 3) the company seeks to invoke further disciplinary action that could lead to your dismissal.
The company has to show that they are acting fairly in doing this process. I appreciate that sitting at home wondering doesn't seem very fair just now.

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, i wouldnt worry too much about the suspension. Its procedure to suspend someone whilst an investigation is carried out. you should be suspended on full pay though. The 3 statements given will obviously be different as they are from 3 different peoples perspectives. But all the criteria should be the same. Its not the managers fault, so you shouldnt worry about going back to work in the same environment. Its his duty to follow up any complaints, and he has to stick to the procedures, so i dont think he will hold any ill feelings towards you all if you are found to be innocent.

[hazelcs]

called in to make video tape of statement to police. Was told it was voluntary and could leave at any time. Questions were more about the background and general day to day activities, touching on a few specific things and what each of us thought about them. Told not to speak to each other at police station. Wasnt allowed to take person in with me, and no legal rep sought. Have to wait until police interviewed all 3 and then they speak to care commission. Policewoman said "i am sure that no one thinks you would deliberately hurt any child and we are just trying to find out what goes on, on a daily basis. It sounds like the major thing we are going to be looking into is the shortage of staff. 2 girls being left with 24 children to look after as undermanager is called to some other duty". Though police woman nice enough questioning me it still means our answers are on tape and we havent got a copy or legal representation if things start going against us. Wish it was a holiday as we could be enjoying our time off, instead of worrying ourselves sick!!!

[FlowerPetal]

Hazel, you should have asked / they should have told you that you could have had a copy of the statement you provided.
Police and Social Services have a duty to follow up ANY concern of abuse/ neglect etc and if the Police officer was more concerned of the lack of staffing, then i really wouldnt worry about your position. All i would add is that if you personally sent the Deputy out or refused help in any form.
If you are consistantly short on staff and as staff, have complained about it, then you will have nothing to worry about.
Tell the truth and good luck
Flower xx