A colleague of mine (a Training Consultant) went to lunch with another colleague who opened up and admitted problems he was having at work. He is still in his probation period. They went to lunch at 12.30 and did not return until 16.00. Admittedly they were wrong as they did not ring and explain. Likewise no one rang them to see where they were. On returning to the office. They were taken into a room and suspended immediately with no chance of explaining what had happened. Also there was no HR rep.

Was this the correct proceedure to follow? and where do they stand?
Sarah Money