recording of bullying on mp3 player

[walkertom]

Apologies for not giving full details, just what I hope is relevant.

I was given a public row by a work area manager for an incident relating to a disability I suffer, covered by DDA. Her behaviour was unreasonable and I was worried what would happen next. She then ordered me into the office after I said she should be ashamed of herself.

Before getting there I pushed a button on my mp3 player that records audio as I was distrustful of her intentions.

In the office, she swore at me and said I was a "p**s taker" and that I had just "f****d off" without asking permission. I couldn't see any managers when I left the floor, so what was I supposed to do? And no-one else has ever had to ask permission before. I further explained my disabilty which she already knew about, and offered to show medication that I carry in case she had any doubt.

Now I've complained about the treatment and she has lied about this confrontation, saying that I didn't explain anything and she certainly didn't swear.

What do I do next? Do I tell anyone about the recording? I only did it to protect myself after unpleasant treatment in public.

My worry is that I can be sacked out of hand, for pushing the button on my MP3 player.

[Spedley]

Recording a conversation is perfectly legal, however you can't play it to anyone. You have to gain consent on the tape at the beginning to have any legal basis.
On the other hand, you can supply a transcript of 'your memory' of the recording and disclose the fact that you took accurate notes.

[Pat Ostman]

I would imagine you can play it to who you want. Perhaps you should play it to your manager for starters, that would make her sweat.

Legal basis may apply is if you intend to use it but I doubt RM would want it to go that far. Seriously though, the managers behaviour was unacceptable. Perhaps you should let your union rep know as he will know far more about the legal aspect.

[carpbarbel]

you should always have a rep or work mate with you when you are called to the office for any meeting

[Brainache]

Copy it onto your pc so you have it backed-up. Keep it on your mp3 and play it to you mates every time she is nearby.

[Postal1]

Doesn't swearing at workers like this come under Gross Misconduct?

[noggin1969]

someone y

[postie222]

try the union bullying and harrasment helpline for advice.

[beanmuncha]

I would go to her with the recording and someone else as witness, let her hear it, then ask for a formal apology else you send this to her boss and the papers etc, if your not going into court the legal side shouldn't count, your proving what was said she will be more worried about her job than the legal side of it. The mp3 was your witness!!

If IB video someone without there knowledge stealing or something how to they use it? obviously they haven't informed them of it.

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

I would go to her with the recording and someone else as witness, let her hear it, then ask for a formal apology else you send this to her boss and the papers etc, if your not going into court the legal side shouldn't count, your proving what was said she will be more worried about her job than the legal side of it. The mp3 was your witness.

Whoa don't do that one!!! Mega mega no! Because after she reports you to police for blackmail you will be more worried about the prison sentence than your job!

Asking for anything in return for not showing this to anyone is hands down blackmail, don't ask for anything, call the B and H helpline they will tell you your best course of action

[walkertom]

Thanks comrades. I'm only on here wondering about the mp3 evidence as I will give it to a lawyer when I see one soon. There are quite a few other incidents and details that I don't want to elaborate on here.


all the best

[stokes11eg]

If royal mail is classed as a public body--then employment tribunlas may listen to your taped evidence.Let them konw in you original petition about this, or let t hem know you have it--the law is not clear cut about this, but as more and more people feel they have to record meetings with Managers, etc, there is a tendency for E/T's to take it on board. Very good luck to you.

[beanmuncha]

Whoa don't do that one!!! Mega mega no! Because after she reports you to police for blackmail you will be more worried about the prison sentence than your job!

Asking for anything in return for not showing this to anyone is hands down blackmail, don't ask for anything, call the B and H helpline they will tell you your best course of action

ok bad idea not thinking straight!!

[walkertom]

Lol! Thanks for the replies.

I've had another thought and don't know what to do with it. I don't want to moralise about what anyone does, but it has been mentioned by a couple of people I know that this manager smokes a lot of herbal cigarettes. It was pointed out to me with the observation that sometimes she is all smiles and very vague as if she's high. I hadn't noticed this, but I trust the sources highly.

I've no problem with anyone indulging in this sort of thing, unless they are a danger to others as it's not my place to judge.

So I've just kept it under my hat. And that's likely where it will stay as I'm not keen on trading tit-for-tat vitriol. But it might explain irrational mood swings etc.

[brothermagrew]

walkertom

Suggest you view http://www.employmentappeals.gov.uk/Pub ... hMLNDA.doc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;