Husband and co-worker conversation about boss

[Toryb98]

Hi all

Im new to the forum and just wanted some advice please.*

My husband and his co-worker have both been furloughed from work as of this Monday (30/04/20) and as such have had to hand their work vans and phones back to their bosses (2 brothers). My husband’s work colleague hasn’t wiped his phone and as such their bosses have found a load of messages on Whatsapp on there between my husband/his colleague and a franchisee. Saying all sorts of things that basically arent very nice about their bosses. *What with everything going on I cant believe this has had to top it all off and am really worried. Will he get dismissed for gross miscounduct? Would it qualify as such or just a slap on yhe wrist? One of his bosses is nice and more understanding the other is a bit of a tyrant and I think will take it further out of spite.

[ULA]

I appreciate this must be a worrying situation given what is happening at the moment but unfortunately I cannot give you a definitive answer as to what level of action, if any the bosses will take. Effectively two members of staff and a franchisee have been engaged in conversations that have not been complementary of their employer/franchisee. I find it hard to think that some form of action would not result but I may be wrong. So if you prepare for some form of disciplinary action being taken against your husband and his co-worker, then if nothing is taken further on the matter then consider it a result and maybe a lesson learnt.*

If the bosses do decide to take some action and you/your husband need some further advice then just come back and post on this thread.*

[Toryb98]

Thanks Ula. I understand we all moan, and their bosses do test their patience sometimes, but to put it all in writing on their work phones We have worked out that his boss has re downloaded Whatsapp and retrieved the deleted messages, he was obviously snooping and looking for stuff on there. I will let you know what happens, I definitely think they will get a warning...I dont think it’s grounds for dismissal but this may just be wishful thinking*

[Toryb98]

Hi Ula, my husband's colleague was sacked today for gross misconduct and my husband was called shortly after to say they aren't sacking him but are giving him a final written warning and have since sent him an email with some caveats (some changes/additions to his contract) which if he doesn't do they will sack him with no warning.* They aren't inviting him to a meeting or to defend himself and they haven't specifically said in the email what he is being given a final written warning about.* I really don't know what to reply, could you please help if I send you the body of the email?

[ULA]

How long has your husband been employed at the company.


It seems from what you have said he has not gone through any formal disciplinary process and i correct.*

Happy for you to post up the email, however please make sure it is anonymised.*

[Toryb98]

He has been there for 5 years in June, thank you I will redact it and send you a screen shot. I am just a bit worried about replying and saying the wrong thing.*

[Manxman]

Going forwards, tell your husband NEVER EVER to commit anything other than complimentary comments about his employer on any form of social media - and especially not through a work 'phone...