The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 213 Stradbroke Firefighter Vacancies

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Interview with Sub O. Wigglesworth Continued
Tuesday 18th August 1998



Page 2 of 8

Time 11.22

Mr Hyde

I would like to clarify something on Mr. Wigglesworth’s behalf. Mr. Wigglesworth feels that the method that he uses, i.e. taking his own notes, is helping him to digest and we feel that there is no need to rollercoast this interview process.

DO Hodge

I have already explained that it is DO Smith’s role to transcribe the interview. By all means you can take notes, however, I believe it is appropriate to continue with the interview in the manner previously explained. Do you wish to make further comment?

Sub O Wigglesworth

So your in agreement, I can take notes?

DO Hodge

You can take notes, but I do not intend to hold up the inteview while you write everything down verbatim. That is DO Smith’s role.

Page 3 of 8

Sub O Wigglesworth

Right, do you wish me to make a statement?

DO Hodge

Yes if you wish.

Sub O Wigglesworth

In relation to the 5th and 6th August, firstly the 5th was taken to fulfil my role as an Health and safety representative. Normal procedures were taken in taking that day. Second point is if here is a dispute with me taking health and safety leave to fulfil the functions, section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 is quite specific. To reduce down to the bare minimum, what it says is anybody taking such leave to fulfil the health and safety function, any detriment arising from it is basically a contravention. So that’s the 5th. For the 6th, the 6th was taken for me to attend an ante natal clinic with my partner who is suffering complications beginning in June which was unavoidable after the visit from the midwife on the Tuesday, who expressed concern at my partners condition. Therefore there was a strong possibility that on the 6th she may be been induced into labour. But of course you are already aware of my circumstances following the local investigation? As to the timing, the short notice whilst it may have been convenient, was unavoidable. Another thing I would like to ask at this point, documents from the local investigation which I presume are to be used against me, in the pursuit of natural justice, I request that I am shown them at this moment so I am able to respond.

DO Hodge

I do not wish to clarify anything on the local investigation at this stage.

Sub O Wigglesworth

So I assume one has been carried out?

DO Hodge

That is your assumption you may wish to carry out.

In relation to your comment that they are to be used “against me”, this is an investigation to determine whether there are any charges to be brought. If, in the future the Brigade Investigating Officer, based on the evidence I present him deems that an offence has been committed, it is at that stage when copies of all the relevant documents will be made available to you.

Sub O Wigglesworth

I think there is a major problem as far as natural justice is concerned there. Basically the accused should be given the opportunity to make a statement to demonstrate natural justice.

DO Hodge

I have a number of questions to ask you which may go some way to addressing the point you have just made. After I have asked the questions and you have responded, you will have the opportunity to make a further statement. I now intend to continue with my questions.

Page 4

DO Hodge

Are you an Official of the Fire brigades Union?

Sub O Wigglesworth

Yes