Tuesday 23 September 2008

Smoking

I have been dismissed for smoking in the toilets on the 22/9/08 (gross misconduct) at work, which I have denied, the company National Veterinary Services a wholesale supplier of drugs for animals and humans alike kept me hanging on for 3 weeks after two meetings (investigative/disciplinary), marched me off the premises with much loss of personal dignity on the initial accusation and at the final dismissal. They are sending information on appeal and I am currently consulting a solicitor. The accusation was based on smell and a smoky haze over the cubicle. Needless to say this has hit me hard both financially and personally (loss of sleep/depression and anxiety/strain on marriage).After nearly five years of employment with this company (recent government ban on a legal drug aside), I would have thought I would be entitled to more consideration as many people smoked in these toilets. I even stated that I had seen my Doctor for advice on giving up smoking but I think they took this as an admission of guilt. What they have done amounts to victimisation and if I can’t get legal address I am certainly going to let people know how they have treated a employee of nearly 5 years standing.
Shaun Pickerill