Mate's wife just been sacked - new job offered

[garystu1965]

My mate's wife has been sacked from her job as a nurse for allegedly bullying other staff. It seems she got dragged into someone else's misdemeanors as she is adamant she has done nothing of the sort. I just cannot believe she is the bullying type. She was offered the choice of resigning but she refused and said she was fighting her cause. Anyway she was sacked a few days ago but has since been offered a similar position at another hospital. Apparently there are still a few formalities to sort out but she's got the job. My mate rang me yesterday to tell me she had been sacked and she just does not know what to do about her new job. "They'll find out" he said (the hospitals have links to each other) so I suggested he gets her to come clean and arrange a meeting with the new hospital to explain the situation. I've also suggetsed Citizen's Advice Bureau. I told my mate it's better Jill explains to the new hospital rather than them finding out from the other hospital at a later date. Understandibly they are both in bits at the moment and I said I'd ask my friends on here. What should she do ? Will she defo be ruled out of the new job ? What's her best plan of action ?

 

[scotth_uk]

I would explain the information to the new hospital up front, and advise what action is being taken to clear her name.

 

[nickg]

Can she not take it up with her union?
In my experience it takes months of verbal and written warnings, counselling etc before they sack NHS employees.
No doubt the union would love the chance to walk out in support of her cause, if it is bona fide.

 

[SilverSaloon]

Can she not take it up with her union?
In my experience it takes months of verbal and written warnings, counselling etc before they sack NHS employees.
No doubt the union would love the chance to walk out in support of her cause, if it is bona fide.

she should be able to contact her union - RCN or something.

i'd come clean with the new employer - otherwise she will be worrying about it until they find out.

 

[glojo]

but has since been offered a similar position at another hospital. Apparently there are still a few formalities to sort out but she's got the job.

Wouldn't she have had to fill in an application form and gives details about previous employment?

Surely when the allegation was made she was advised of her rights to have representation?

It sounds all rather quick, and it might be interesting to hear the other side of the story. Was this a one off case of bullying? If so it appears vey drastic action.

If she is fighting her corner for unfair dismissal, then her conduct in applying for this new post should surely have to be 100% legitimate, otherwise it might backfire at any future tribunial hearing?

Good luck,
John

 

[Benzowner]

There are "rules of engagement" when you want to sack someone. Verbal warning is first, written warning is second and then termination. The latter should be carried out with a representative of the person being sacked, unions etc as well as the people terminating the employment. This should be done to try to avoid any later unfair dismissal cases etc If this procedure has not been done, and she intends to take legal action against her previous employers, she must notify her prospective employers, they will find out if they so wish, or they may not even pry.

 

[Shude]

It sounds all rather quick, and it might be interesting to hear the other side of the story. Was this a one off case of bullying? If so it appears vey drastic action.

"Zero Tolerance" bullying policy, there are signs up around the building here about it.

There are "rules of engagement" when you want to sack someone. Verbal warning is first, written warning is second and then termination. The latter should be carried out with a representative of the person being sacked, unions etc as well as the people terminating the employment. This should be done to try to avoid any later unfair dismissal cases etc If this procedure has not been done, and she intends to take legal action against her previous employers, she must notify her prospective employers, they will find out if they so wish, or they may not even pry.

It's actually pretty hard to get fired in the NHS, the department I work in has never had a sacking since it started 6 years ago and I can think of at least one employee who wouldn't last more than a few days in a private company! Apparently you have to get written statements from at least 5 other employees and then go through a series of other stages before anyone gets canned.

 

[SportsCoupeRich]

If she is reasonably experienced i would suggest moving to the private healthcare area. I am a healthcare sector specialist both with work and through the family business of nursing homes.

An experienced nurse in a company such as Westminster Healthcare and others can command a reasonably good package and if she is 'bright' (no offence intended if she isn't!!!) there is good scope for career progression....with the continued trend of pushing public sector healthcare towards the private sector this will only continue its growing strength and benefits for employees.

good luck