Confidential paperwork left out

[Acjb007]

I went to a disciplinary hearing this lunchtime and resigned before any action was taken. While I was waiting to be seen I was put in an office and in front of me was a confidential colleague document regarding the colleague smelling of alcohol at work. It said they were acting strangely and they had housing issues and is going through a bad divorce.

I know it is completely devious but can I use this to my advantage? I have a photo of the document and was hoping to get my job back or at least a good reference. Have I got a chance? My silence for my job?

[R0b]

Re: Confidential paperwork left out

What you are asking for is also known as blackmail, I don't think you want to go down that route. They can't give you bad references but can give accurate information such as you were undergoing a disciplinary hearing or anything else that is factually true.

[Sangie595]

Re: Confidential paperwork left out

You know that old saying about how things can't get any worse? Blackmail your employer and they will. Definitely. Get rid of that photo. Apart from anything else, what you have done is an appalling way to treat another person. They deserve the same respect and confidentiality as you would. The file shouldn't have been left out, I accept. But you shouldn't have read it and you shouldn't have photographed it.

I have to be very honest. In their shoes - and I would lay bets most employers would agree with me - try pulling this stunt and not only would you not get your job back, but you would get the worst reference I could think of. And believe me, I could write an entirely truthful reference that would ensure that you'd never work again! It's not devious, it's dishonest and nasty. I hope you have already thought better of your first instincts and realised how wrong this would be.