[Closed] Serious IT help needed!

andywhit - you were dead right about the Mleh image hosting. I just pulled a few bits of evidence together.

A wee spot of advice - If you do go into the scheduled meeting without legal representation make sure you obviously take notes or record the entire conversation - and you have the right to terminate it at any point in order to get legal representation.

Hopefully it won't come to that but remember that you can do that. Don't let them take a decision against you there and then. Ask and insist on an adjournment so you can get legal representation.

Something similar happened to a friend of mine, and he basically told them to get bent for accusing him of something like this without the proper evidence - obviously the incurred stress, rumours about it all back in the office, etc is/was inexcusable and he went on the offensive at them about it.

Since they're dealing with it in such a poor way and as you say, they don't know what they're doing themselves, perhaps you should try a similar tact, now that hopefully you know what's going on?
It's out of order for them to put you through this and all for nothing!

I'm gobsmacked. Only just found this thread - from the very first page it looked to me like they were getting confused by normal browser behaviour. To see this for yourself, just get [url= http://www.fiddler2.com/fiddler2/ ]Fiddler[/url] (there are others, but that's what I use - handy for working out how mapping sites work 😉 ). For example, here's a mleh forum page:
[IMG] [/IMG]

ISTM your IT team are so incapable they're only getting the "Host" column in that table, not the "URL" one. It's hardly rocket science to get the correct info! I'll defer to others who know better about the legal advice, but you could do worse than taking in a printout of Fiddler looking at the specific page that started all this - along with an explanation of how you got that.

BTW - wouldn't recommend installing Fiddler in work - at least in our place it comes under the category of things we're not allowed as doing network snooping (we actually have very relaxed IT policy and I install and use a lot of downloaded freeware as part of my work - though we're only allowed IE6 to browse!)

Just asking your IT to read this thread may prove to be 'educational' for them!

[edit] then again it may make them feel so stoopid, that they put the boot in! You could really do with an independant techie present as you could make them lose serious face with management

{No! - Mod}

I would also suggest an adjournment at 11am Monday and get legal advice. The adjournment will need to be for more than 24 hours as you need an IT savvy lawyer. After you win raise a grievance against the IT department and then threaten slander/libel/defamation as appropriate. Looking for a new job would also be good.
BTW recognition is not necessary for union membership, you are entitled to be a member and also to take them in to any disciplinary meeting you are the subject of. These rights are enshrined in both employment and human rights legislation.
Spot the ex-shop steward 🙂
Good luck.

I should point out that anybody with an IT department as stupid as Zeds shouldn't open this thread in work - my last means that this page will request "downloads" from the same list of hosts he was accused of. OTOH he could suggest his IT manager (boss/director etc.) looks at this thread, and then get the snoops to check what sites that person has accessed - that might just make the point!

Bit late for that disclaimer innit 🙂

Your last post only requests an image from photobucket though so no probs ?

there's been a major virus recently - might not have been that, but you could blame it anyway.

Best sticking to the facts IMO.

I think he's guilty

I would laugh at that comment if I wasn't so stressed.

Been out with the kids at the BMX club today, hence my late reply.

I'm bassically writing all of this down for myself, going to print off the report from Geoff too. I'm pretty angry about it all now, still can't believe it's happening!

Seriously dude, sorry, didn't realise you'd still be so stressed. After reading through this thread, if they sack you, you should haul their asses backwards through a thorny bushed tribunal. It would be grossly unfair if they sack you - can't honestly see how they can. Best of luck tomorrow though.

been reading with interest
good luck for tomorrow, hope it goes well

Reading this has been a real eye-opener for me, as don't know sh#t all about IT and how it all works (much like Zed's IT dept it seams!)
Goodluck Zed, and Im sure with the knowledge/good wishes of the STW massive behind you, you will be fine! Might even get a prommotion for pointing out how little your accusuers know! Director of IT?

Your last post only requests an image from photobucket though so no probs ?

Well, I've printed off the report which has snapshots of a couple of things. It certainly explains to me what is going on.

I'm going in tomorrow and have a feeling it could go on for a while. If the worst comes to the worst then I'll stop the meeting and seek help. Armed with all of the information I now have I'm hoping that I won't have to.

deadlydarcy, that's alright, I just wish the whole thing was over.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Many thanks

Best of luck Zed. As has already been said, stick to the facts and stay calm. It would be useful to get someone to go in with you, if only to provide a witness from your side. How about a friend or colleague you trust. They don't need to say anything, just provide moral support and an extra set of ears.

And get your witness to take notes. It usually scares the management side

good luck tomorrow zed - fingers crossed for the right outcome (and good luck in the job hunting, you're right to want to get out of that place after the treatment they've given you)

I think I shall be looking for a new job with immediate effect...

Wonder how he got on. 🙄

i was just wondering that..but its only 11.30 in the UK right? Been watching this thread since the beginning & hope he gets through it..By the sounds of things it might be a long meeting..

Hope he's doing good & not too stressed.

11.45 am here - wonder how he did?
probably won't dare post on STW til he gets home
hope it went really well Zed

Hopefully there will have been a grovelling apology from the manager and the IT manager has been fired!

*crosses fingers and waits*

Well, I'm back home now.

I've been sacked with immediatte effect!

crikey!

you need this:

http://www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/FormsGuidance/beforeMakingRespondingClaim.htm

Complete b'stards. Get all the info and see if you can go for tribunal.

I feel for you mate. I hope they all get a bad case of piles.

They told me right at the start that they're 'IT consultant' had looked at my PC on Friday, scanned for virus, malware etc and found nothing which would download pornographic or grotesque images.

I had my evidence in my hand and tried to expplain this, all they kept saying was "we can't accept anymore evidence". They wouldn't even look at it!
I tried to blunder through and explain anyway but they just kept repeating "we can't accept any more evidence etc"

I then said "well, I need legal reprasentation" and was told "I'm not allowed any, you had your chance" I then told them that I had it on good word that I can't be sacked without reprasentation. No was the answer, I'm not allowed legal reprasentation!

I'm then told I can appeal the decision which I have to do by writing a letter stating this to them within 5 days. Of course I'll be doing this.

So, as of now I have no job, no pay, nothing!

I'm going to get in touch with the CAB, get in touch with job agencies, and I need to find a union!

Can anyone reccomend a union?

I'm a CAD engineer, have a family, in 2nd year of uni (day release) on a civil engineering course.

I need help!

Blimy.

I'll go kick stooms in the nuts if you want.

Wow well good luck job hunting and with everything in the further. I’m not a tribunal’s expert but as an IT manager id’ say you going to get loads of money for unfair dismissal.

Best of luck!

Hope you wee'd in their shoes on the way out!

I reckon you're on good ground for an appeal - make sure you leave time in your jobhunting to sort out what shiny new bike(s) you'll be spending the payout on!

Union's might not take this on, as it’s a pre-existing case, where do you live?

Union's work a bit like insurance, you need to have it in place first, before claiming.

They are so gonna get it! Whoever's the HR manager will more likely get the sack after this.

That all seems a bit harsh at this stage

Remember Zed - you [b]MUST[/b] follow their disciplinary procedure to the letter & to exhaustion, otherwise any claim for unfair dismissal would be thrown out

Don't want to sound negative but I think they may have read this thread!

I think a lawyers letter stating that you will appeal should be the first step as I can't see how what they have done is legally defensible.

zed - another thing, if you need to get in touch with your bank/credit card provider do so asap to let them know what's going on and to get yourself some breathing space (mortgage payment holiday etc) - the last thing you'll need is the stress the bank can create while you're sorting your stuff out. They will be much more receptive if you approach them early than if things get difficult later on. The initial feeling of helplessness must be insufferable. Get the initiative back, do your research, ensure you have all the documentation you need, get as much documentation as you need from your employer by written request.

Good luck.

From what I've read you could take this company to the cleaners.

Sounds like you were stitched up to me and looks like they wanted you out regardless?

Just found this thread. Sorry to read the news dude.
Hope you clear your name soon, and that chunks of their 'management' get a corporate shoeing for this incompetency!
Still the kids will enjoy having you around for a bit. The weather's quite nice too at the moment. Dust off the bike! 🙂
And now lots more folks know how shoddy the companies defences are! Result!
Your next job WILL be better!

I'd suggest you find an employment lawyer who is technology-aware.

If everything is as represented here then I think you have an excellent case.

Did they give you a formal "grounds for dismissal"?

Currently trying to organise a meeting with my local CAB and sort a new job.

Thanks for the support, I still can't believe this is happening?...

Their grounds for dismissal is that report list I posted up. Unfortunately I can't afford a lawyer. I'm wondering if I might get legal aid now that I am unemployed?