If a member of staff doesn't turn in for their shift am I required to stay?

Question

I work as a support worker for a horrible company that I cannot wait to get out of, anyway, last week I worked my shift which was 2pm til 10pm and then at 10pm a night staff worker starts their shift,  however, this night staff did not turn up (there are 2 night staff only one turned up) I called my manager to inform him and I told him I will stay until 12pm to allow him time to get something sorted. At 12pm he had not got anyone to come in so I told him I was leaving because I was due to start my next shift at 8am the next morning. 

Now, I received a letter from head office saying I must attend a investigatory meeting as to why I left work early and left the place understaffed. 

I face disciplinary or dismissal because of this, surely I can't be held responsible for a member of staff failing to turn I up for work? 

If I did stay it would have meant me working 24 hours straight with no sleep. 

I just want to be armed with some facts and laws before I attend this meeting. 

Cheers in advance.

Answer

I would go to my HR and say something. If you were not told to stay; then you should have left relaxed knowing you did the right thing. If your supervisor cannot get his or her act together and get someone in to work; then that is their fault. I could place no blame on you. You did stay extra and most likely will not get paid overtime for it. (I do not know your company's overtime policy or reporting policy.

First off I would see the HR department and tell them what happened. Give times and dates you called your supervisor. maybe you tried to call the person that was supposed to come to work too. 

It seems your supervisor had no intentions of bringing anyone else in nor did he say to you what you needed to do. I think he is the most responsible for this ordeal. NOT YOU.

If a member of staff doesn't turn in for their shift am I required to stay?

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