It isn't just your employer. If I had a penny for every time I heard the phrase "HR says ...." I could retire in the lap of luxury!

I recall trying to get pornographic images removed from the shop floor walls, screen savers(!) and calendars. Cue the Production Manager calling a shop floor meeting and starting the conversation with those immortal words "HR says ..." I was not popular that day! I must point out that this was about 20 years ago when they had just changed the rules on harassment and gave employers the duty to actively ensure that the work environment could not be considered hostile.

So, you are not alone. I expect almost all of us have experienced being the point of blame quite frequently.

If you are being blamed for something you didn't do, or were responsible for I'd generally have no problems replying quite clearly, and making it well known that it was not you - or 'HR', that was responsible. If you don't you might just end up the scape goat for everything anyone doesn't like.

Flagging this recent discussion, too...

 RE: I am the new Head of HR in a company where HR is a joke - literally!