[Flyboy]

Originally Posted by Gary L

The manager or supervisor was the one who over heard the joke and took offence to it?

No, it is not assumed the he/she took offence to it. As a manager it is their job to investigate and challenge such behaviour. It is the job of management to ensure fairness in all situations and if this comment went unchallenged, it would send a message that management have no interest in ensuring that inappropriate language can play no part in working life.

---------- Post added at 11:57 ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 ----------

Originally Posted by martyh

then he should have investigated it with a modicum of common sense WHEN a complaint had been made and not before ,it's not any managers place to complain on other peoples behalf

Again, another assumption that the manager in question took offence, rather than actually doing their job.

---------- Post added at 12:05 ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 ----------

Originally Posted by superbiatch

In my NHS experience, to suspend someone is not done lightly - in fact its near on impossible (has just taken me over 3 years to terminate someone's employment who has been off sick for 5 years!). I suspect there is more to this story than meets the eye.

Indeed. It is entirely possible that this is not the first time an incident of this nature had occurred within the company. With the tragic news of this man's fate, it is now unlikely we shall ever know. If the company release any statement referring to any such incidents, they will most likely be accused of a smear campaign.

---------- Post added at 12:18 ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 ----------

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

"It is understood that the man was a close friend of Mr Amor and was not offended. However, it was overheard by someone else who lodged a formal complaint."

I suggest that you read that carefully once or twice again and think about the reality of what happened.
Personally I can't get away from thoughts of the old East German Stasi..

This is a typical device used by the Daily Heil in order to cover themselves from being accused of making things up. I am not necessarily saying that is the case here, but their track record speaks volumes.

---------- Post added at 12:22 ---------- Previous post was at 12:18 ----------

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

Since I have seen and heard such language between black colleagues yes I would say that is entirely acceptable. It's up to the people involved to decide what is acceptable and absolutely NOT the business of any 3rd party to involve themselves.

I am afraid that is not quite true. If ANY of my employees, black or white, used such language they would be facing disciplinary procedures. I do not bias my colleague relations policies to distinguish between "street talk" or "banter" and what is considered to be professional and appropriate language.