SUSPENSION

[thechemisyshop]

how long can a postie be suspended ie a precautionary suspension while they look into the facts of a disciplinary case ,,is it open ended ?

[Bahia Feliz]

They should decide within 48 hours if you can still do your duty while they carry out investigations.

[rehabron]

how long can a postie be suspended ie a precautionary suspension while they look into the facts of a disciplinary case ,,is it open ended ?

Yes it is open ended and would depend on the circumstances that resulted in a precautionary suspension for instance management would prefer you stay at home if they thought you would be a threat to your work colleagues. Precautionary suspension is usually on full pay as withdrawing your pay is prejudicing your case. There are exception such as theft. Management can continue your precautionary suspension while all facts of the case are being investigated but they must keep informing you at regular intervals giving dates for the continuation of your suspension. Failure to do so can be interpreted as a dismissal.

[Glenno]

http://www.glosamal.co.uk/Docs/Conduct" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;% ... eement.pdf

[Glenno]

there appears to be a fault to this link try this
http://www.cwukentinvicta.org/33.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
11 PRECAUTIONARY SUSPENSION FROM DUTY
There are circumstances in which it is necessary to suspend an employee from duty. The main reasons to justify suspensions include:
• Suspected, alleged or admitted dishonesty
• Drunkenness/being under the influence of non-prescribed drugs
• Refusal to obey a reasonable instruction
• Violent or abusive behaviour
• Alleged wilful delay of the mail

In addition there may be other circumstances in which a serious breach of conduct will appear to have occurred and it is clearly in the interests of all concerned to remove the employee from duty. If an employee in his or her private capacity has been arrested, or charged with or convicted of a criminal offence, he or she may also be suspended where the circumstances warrant it. Where the individual has refused to carry out a reasonable instruction he/she should be given 5-10 minutes 'cooling off' time to reconsider his/her actions before being precautionarily suspended. The individual should be encouraged to see his/her local representative during this period when possible.

In normal circumstances suspension will only be carried out by a unit manager, such as a Shift Manager or Delivery Office Manager. Also POSIS can suspend employees on the authority of an appropriate manager. However, there are times when a manager other than the Unit Manager may have to act quickly, for example in cases of drunkenness or violent behaviour. Where possible the relevant senior manager will be consulted first, and in all cases suspension should be reported immediately to senior management - if necessary by telephone at home.

Suspension should only occur when it is necessary to prevent the risk of further breaches of conduct, to protect employees, property or mail, or to protect Royal Mail's good image and standing in the community. It should only last as long as is genuinely necessary and will be reviewed after 48 hours and at reasonable periods thereafter.

Precautionary suspension will normally be with pay but not so in cases of drunkenness, being under the influence of non-prescribed drugs, refusal to obey a reasonable instruction, violent or abusive behaviour and in cases of admitted dishonesty. In cases of suspension of employees facing criminal charges the initial suspension will be with pay. This will be reviewed after 48 hours and as information comes to notice a decision will be taken as to whether pay should continue. The decision as to whether pay should be stopped will only be made following careful consideration and consultation with Personnel.

On any occasion where pay is stopped notice will immediately be given in writing to the employee with a statement of the reasons for stopping pay. Where pay is stopped but it is subsequently decided that a discipline penalty is not warranted, the stopped pay should be restored.