I'm not sure it does matter whether you changed companies or not.
I think you need to set the record straight and fast.
If you are in a new company (which I think you said you were before) then why did they hire you if you have a record of theft?!!! if same company, they will know (or should) know the story, or can easily verify it - or not.
Ok, here's what I would do:
Confront the person who spread the story that .... they heard. Be nice, get their side of it too, just in case there's lots of misunderstandings going on.
Then set the record straight. As it's a legal firm, I'd be very careful about how you say this, but you could make it clear that you will take relevant legal action all the way to a conclusion if the story continues to circulate.
Ask him/her to set the record straight with everybody.
Your manager would, at this point - I hope - come out and offer you a complete and unreserved apology.
The point about putting things in writing is good, but you must do all the confrontational stuff in person - follow it up in writing so you have a record.
You need to decide, Jess, if you want to stay in this job. This will have a bearing on exactly how you handle this. But you need to clear it up fast, today, tomorrow latest. Make it your priority and make sure everyone knows it's your priority, and make them make it their priority too.
Good luck - no doubt you will, but please let us know how you get on.
Jackie, Peer Moderator
www.iqps.orgEdited by jackie on 25/09/06 03:20 PM.
