Hypothetical Question

[borisbeaver]

Suppose a person working for a well know supermarket chain was wearing inappropriate "adornments" on their uniform whilst working in a food preparation area. Several managers ask the employee to remove them, to which the employee declines and eventually walks away. The employer then starts disciplinary proceedings.

 

If the employee had not gone to the press, would he be looking at a warning.

 

Because he has gone to the press, could he face Gross Misconduct charges.

 

Please note, that I support the right to wear badges and wristband supporting good causes where appropriate.

[Annie71]

Without knowing the terms of employment who can say but quite likely if the press take up the story yes dismissal could follow. A lot will depend on what the adornments were and is the policy carried out fairly.

[borisbeaver]

Here's the story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-22689008

 

Morrisons suspends worker over Help for Heroes wristband

 

The employee posted his suspension letter from Morrisons on Facebook

 

A Morrisons supermarket employee has been suspended for wearing a poppy pin badge and wristband supporting Help For Heroes.

 

Adam Austin, who works at the Victory Retail Park store in Portsmouth, faces a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

 

He received a letter on Monday informing him of his suspension on basic pay for allegedly refusing to obey staff dress standards.

 

Morrisons said its dress code banned bracelets and pins.

 

Mr Austin, from Buckland, Portsmouth, had been asked by two other senior members of staff on Monday to remove the wristband.

 

A disciplinary letter from the company said he was first asked to remove the poppy pin on his name badge, but refused to.

 

He was then spoken to by another member of staff, who said he had breached the dress code but the employee put on a Help For Heroes wristband and kept the pin on.

 

Morrisons said that, since the incident on Monday, it had reviewed its guidelines to allow non-fresh food preparation staff to wear charity wristbands.

 

A spokesperson for Morrisons confirmed Mr Austin worked in both fresh food preparation areas and non-fresh food preparation areas, such as the checkout.

 

 

Adam Austin has been suspended by Morrisons

 

Poppy Appeal

 

Morrisons issued a response on its Facebook page.

 

A spokesman said: "We understand that it's important to many people to show support for our armed forces.

 

"Morrisons is a long-time supporter of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and we welcome Help for Heroes fundraisers into store.

 

"As a company, we encourage store colleagues to show their support for the Royal British Legion by wearing poppies in October and November.

 

"We currently ask colleagues to adhere to a company dress code, which precludes bracelets and pins."

 

Several people have commented on the online statement, with some threatening to boycott the store and others asking for the employee's suspension to be lifted.

 

Morrisons would not comment on the disciplinary process and said the matter was continuing.

 

I've read the disciplinary letters as it is currently doing the rounds on face book.

[Annie71]

As it's in a fresh food prep area I can see their concerns. I think it would be foolish of them to do anything greater than a verbal warning however the fact he has been suspended on full pay sounds odd. I suggest a read of the acas code of conduct.