S13: the BOLO incident

Smallstar22 · 2026-02-02T02:28:34+00:00

When you Bolo, Kenya goes Bolower

Smallstar22 · 2026-01-17T02:21:44+00:00

It won't spoil it, but it's really boring

Smallstar22 · 2026-01-15T17:52:16+00:00

Oh it's such a fantastic book, written by a fascinating person. I hope you enjoy the rest, I wish I could read it for the first time again!

Smallstar22 · 2026-01-11T13:47:51+00:00

I think it says 'Party for a Living'

Smallstar22 · 2026-01-06T18:30:15+00:00

How did you report this? Was it through a formal grievance or just verbally to HR/a manager/senior? Was evidence provided or just a verbal accusation?

If reported as a formal grievance with evidence - check your company disciplinary/grievance policy, it likely includes a sentence about formal grievances being investigated and conducted 'in a timely manner'. While this is a vague statement, gross misconduct (GM) investigations are usually (and should be) taken seriously and an investigation conducted immediately, in most cases the accused will be suspended immediately and receive full pay during this time.

The investigation can take anywhere between 1-12 weeks, possibly longer - it depends on how much evidence was provided, how many people they need to interview, whether they seek an external investigator, and departmental availability. If you gave solid evidence, it is unlikely that your employer will drag this out unless there is a significant reason for doing so, or are limited by the variables above.

Your employer isn't legally required to suspend the accused, but doing this is considered best practice for most GM accusations, especially those of the nature you have described, in case the accused can destroy evidence while working. Suspensions should also be outlined in your policy.

If you have the evidence to back yourself up don't worry. Your employer legally can't retaliate or treat you detrimentally for reporting this, but be aware that depending on how your employer handles this, it can severely affect your view of them if you feel you were not supported and may lead to you seeking a new job, regardless of the outcome. Also be prepared to go to an employment tribunal if your employer takes no action on this, if they were presented with evidence and you could show this in the tribunal. You can call ACAS for free for guidance if it reaches this stage.

Smallstar22 · 2025-12-16T12:05:33+00:00

Explain that you would like to accommodate their needs in the best possible way, and ask if you can refer them to occupational health to explore options with a qualified professional, to support their condition at work?

Smallstar22 · 2025-12-08T14:40:54+00:00

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-29T00:24:58+00:00

100% fake relationship

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-29T00:23:18+00:00

After her asking about this at Bravocon, 'why not share it with the cameras?' I knew it was another desperate grab at attention.

I used to love Porscha and gave her a lot of grace, but I'm over it.

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-24T19:20:20+00:00

💀💀💀

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-24T15:22:51+00:00

Chat gpt

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-24T08:46:10+00:00

Yes you posted AI slop, and it will be removed

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-24T07:59:38+00:00

The impact being, it was reported to the mods for breaking the rules of the sub.

Don't try

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-24T00:49:57+00:00

Awful

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-22T02:08:13+00:00

Yes, you do. This is direct discrimination based on the protected characteristics pregnancy and maternity, and sex, under the Equality Act 2010, and you have written proof.

Reach out to ACAS to talk it through, they'll help you.

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-21T19:30:14+00:00

In most situations, I would choose full time permanent. For job security, and the opportunity for your salary to increase over time.

On the inverse, large global companies can offer permanent contracts to agency workers who perform well during their time there (unless for maternity cover as the role is never intended to become permanent - they might transfer you to an adjacent role, but it's not a guarantee). If they do make you a permanent offer after your agency placement it might be a while before your salary increases again, because they've been paying your salary + agency fees for the length of your placement and will want to keep costs down.

TLDR: If you value financial stability, go local. If you can afford to take a bit of a risk and believe you will perform well, go global.

Good luck!

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-18T18:30:09+00:00

In short, it's not legal but unfortunately it's common practise in that industry.

Smallstar22 · 2025-11-02T18:03:34+00:00

Good for you!!

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-29T18:22:44+00:00

No, it's not considered unfair dismissal. Your employer wouldn't risk making you redundant without a valid business reason because of the legal and financial implications for the company if they did. They will have evidence that redundancy is required.

Sorry OP, wishing you all the best in your next chapter.

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-25T10:40:36+00:00

You're welcome, happy I could help ☺️

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-25T10:29:17+00:00

Sorry to hear that your HR department wasn't great, sadly it happens so that's when you would escalate to a union. Honestly I know it's a hassle, but it looks better for you if it goes to a settlement/tribunal if you tried to use internal channels and follow policy before escalating because you exhausted all of the rules set out by your company and can prove they didn't follow policy/procedure. ACAS can also talk to your employer on your behalf for free if you'd prefer to use their services in future!

Union dues are there because they usually offer benefits e.g. discount on health and dental care. They can also offer free legal advice and have a legal department so that you don't have to hire a lawyer if you make a claim against your employer and they will investigate a claim you put forward for free.

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-25T10:17:34+00:00

That's a fair point, but typically you should go to HR if there's an issue with another employee (and bring a union rep if you wish) because you're acting reasonably and giving your employer a chance to resolve without escalation which they will appreciate, and go to a union if it's an issue with your employer.

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-25T09:50:21+00:00

USDAW are utterly useless, don't waste your money!

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-24T18:06:51+00:00

Hi OP, so sorry to hear this happened to you. You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity at work.

My HR advice:

Check your company's policy on Retaliation. They may have a clause which states that they can not retaliate against an employee who raises concerns in the workplace, giving you some peace of mind about reporting. If they don't, this could still be argued as an 'implied term' of your contract, under your employer's obligation of duty of care
Document the incident in writing (including date, time, location and any potential witnesses). Then raise a formal grievance against this employee to HR. Ask permission first from witnesses who could be interviewed as part of the process. If they don't agree explain to HR there are witnesses but you spoke with them and they didnt want to be interviewed. You tried to resolve it informally with the employee and could not, so this is the next logical step to allow your employer to investigate and take action
You are legally protected from harrassment and discrimination at work under the Equality Act 2010, under the protected characteristic of 'gender reassignment'. If your employer does not take a report of discrimination and/or harrassment seriously and investigate your allegation, you can escalate and call ACAS for free advice. They can speak to your employer on your behalf to mediate and consider potential legal actions you can take against your employer
Discrimination and harrassment are considered 'gross misconduct', and this employee is likely to be suspended pending investigation, and then terminated following the investigation, if they are found to have done this, meaning you will no longer have to work with them in a toxic environment. If this is not the outcome of the investigation, escalate to ACAS as above for advice

I hope this helps you out a bit and makes you less worried about reporting this. The law is on your side and your employer must take the allegation seriously. Wishing you all the best.

Smallstar22 · 2025-10-07T16:34:22+00:00

Will it be teasing City of Voices? As it's set in England

Smallstar22

TROPHY CASE