Suspended from work.

[glasgowkb]

Hi guys, new member, looking for some advice.

Have worked for Tesco for over 3 years now without incident.

Yesterday, i got accused of stealing a newspaper that i was reading on my break as there was no receipt, yes a newspaper!
Now, i did not steal this, it was another member of staff's newspaper who brought in into work with him, they backed my story up.

2 hours later the manager came in, said i am suspended with full pay till my "hearing" tomowrrow morning, collect my belongings and escorted me to the front door!!

Now, she has no cctv obviously of me stealing the paper, and it will be 2 against 1.

Have left a voice mail with my union rep who will call me later today.

Anything i should know or do to help my case hear?

Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks

Kenny

[Eloise01]

Re: Suspended from work.

Not really - your union are best placed to advise you, and I assume that you have made sure that you have a statement from your collegaue saying that they brought the paper to work with them?

[glasgowkb]

Re: Suspended from work.

I assume that you have made sure that you have a statement from your collegaue saying that they brought the paper to work with them?

Not yet, i was told not to be in contact with anyone working at the store till my hearing, so i have not had a chance.
He will be there tomorrow morning, so i will get that then, would that rule me out of the picture?
Can they say it is actual theft if the paper hadn't left the actual building or in anyone's locker?

Thanks

[CleverClogs]

Re: Suspended from work.

Can they say it is actual theft if the paper hadn't left the actual building or in anyone's locker?

Yes, if someone had used the newspaper in some way incompatible with it still being the property of the store.

[Eloise01]

Re: Suspended from work.

Not yet, i was told not to be in contact with anyone working at the store till my hearing, so i have not had a chance.
He will be there tomorrow morning, so i will get that then, would that rule me out of the picture?
Can they say it is actual theft if the paper hadn't left the actual building or in anyone's locker?

Thanks

You need to tell management that you need to speak to this person to obtain a witness statement - you must not speak to them without permission. If you cannot obtain this before the hearing you/your union need to ask for a postponement to get the statement in your defence.