So I continue my love/hate relationship with this board. Recall I got a hard time when I said I'd like to know a bit about regular posters, it was interesting that many were full of sarcastic remarks but no one actually asked me to say who I was. I do find the pointed agressive side of this board unfortunate. People getting 'attacked' because they read The Daily Mail or question the hatred of The BNP or even - and this is silly - can't quite grasp a DVD comparison site.

Anyway, thought I'd share that I was suspended today - from work. I work for a small consultancy in Oxford and returned today from a week of annual leave. Was met by my Director with a letter that (his words) "we were going to send to you but did not" that said that while I was away my colleague (when checking my emails which I suggested happen) saw a "message of a sexual nature". I have not been told what the message was nor who it was from. Though it was sent to me I do not even know that it is for me as such.

This was not all they had dug up however. A colleague (been in post for 2 weeks) has claimed that I raised a number of accusations about the comapny with her. I am not clear how this conversation was repeated to management. I did have a conversation with her though did not say any of the things mentioned.

I am expected to attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday morning. I am totally bewildered but happy to be totally open if anyone can add any pepper to this weird dish.

Bad news and you have my commiserations - I'm afraid I predicted that the false allegations industry would explode in Britain - there is little or no protection from it; very little available defence and the perpetrator has huge reasons for doing it and very little risk. That's the way the law and the media has developed. As long as it's a good story...

Of course JK - and we will gradually all reap the terror that this world beholds. I spoke to someone today who said that I should get my complete internet history from (my employers) files (actually a remote server housed by a seperate agency). This is a weird one because whilst I have never done anything illegal at work I have occasionally flirted with my own interests in work time. I seriously do not want to sit there while the boss says "You visited King of Hits" at 10am and 2pm on this date and at 9pm and 3pm on this one. Ultimately I work hard and my boss agreed today with this so this whole scenario is based on a weak combination of one person's story and a computer message that I received when on holiday and have not seen.

As you know I wrote a review of your film because I am uneasy with your treatment and that is why I come here. I know that you were treated unfairly and this case is nothing like your own (I won't be going to prison and everyone I have shown my letter to thinks it is mad) but this world where length of service, personality and performance do not matter, merely what someone says happenned is truly sad and who knows how to stop it?!

Sorry to hear your news BTB. No pepper to add but good luck for Tuesday and let us know how you get on.

Are you in an union mate? If not, I'd suggest a visit to a CAB or if you are rich enough, to an employment solicitor. One way to stretch this out is to bring in a grievance or series of grievances, and request that these are looked into first. If they refuse to, or do not investigate thoroughly, you can bring in the likes of ACAS or indeed take them to a tribunal.

If they have only given you 4 days notice I believe that is also classed as not reasonable, and it's evidence that your company is not acting within employment law.

I'm going through something similar with the company I worked for for ten years. I've not worked for nearly 9 months now (the pregnant belt!) but am still on the pay roll and still paid by them. I handed in a list of nearly 10 grievances a week or so ago with them which are bordering on serious criminal allegations and if that doesn't go the way my union wants it to go, it's going to a tribunal not just for constructive dismissal but also for disability discrimination.

Good luck BR,if the company is that stupid then you'd be better off moving anyway.