Dishonesty at workplace!!!?

Question

what would you do if you knew some-one who works at the same place as you, was helping themselves to stock, without paying, have reported to the manager already but this person still gets away with it, and now found out that certain customers are getting things for free too. I have confronted the person before but with no joy,
the person does not work the same shifts as me but i don't want to be a suspect for stock loss.
serious answers only please

I don't see myself as a GRASS i just want honesty at work,i am a supervisor for the company so see it as my job to protect fellow workers!!!!

Answer 1

If you believe that your manager may be complicit there are a couple of routes you might like to think about to take your complaint further.

1. You could write anonymously to your company's head office, customer complaints department, and let them know what's going on;
2. If you are a member of a union, you could report the matter to them. Write to the head office, DON'T go via your shop-steward;
3. You could go over your manager's head and report in writing to his/her immediate boss.

All these suggestions were given to me by ACAS on 08457 474747.

You don't say if you're UK or not; the following only applies if you are:

I've taken this further for you and found you a number to call. The DTI (now the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform) can be contacted on 020 7215 5000. Other contact details including email are in the link below. The woman whom I spoke to there was very concerned because you are in a vulnerable position, in that you can see the activity you describe as being a threat to your job security and personal character record whether you report it again or not. She would really like you to call them ASAP.

In the case of 1 and 3 above, make sure you are entitled to tribunal protection as you might put your job at risk by using them.

Good luck. No-one (with any shred of decency anyway) likes a thief. If you can't trust your workmates, who can you trust?

Answer 2

I think it's time you kept a serious diary about what you have noted. You should also write a memo to the manager reiterating your concerns, keeping a copy on file. Explain that you don't want to be blamed for stock loss. All these records will have to be held at home, as otherwise they will probably go missing too. I would find out who the owner of the business was, as he is the ultimate loser, and write to him.

The problem is that by sticking your neck out in this way, you are risking getting the sack, especially if the manager is in on it. It doesn't sound as though this is a good place to work anyway, but you will have to weigh up the consequences very carefully before taking action. On the other hand, if they were to turn round and blame you for stock losses and the police were called in, things could turn out far more disastrously for you than the mere loss of a job -- unless, that is, you could present your careful records as evidence.

Answer 3

It is always really hard to deal with this situation and I would have expected that the manager would have dealt with it better. I agree that you need to write a letter (signed and dated) and if nothing changes definately go higher. I wold leave it a few weeks and then move up the chain of command. Best to arrange a meeting in a neutral place or telephone headoffice, this could even be done anomously. Remember to follow your company procedures and keep yourself in the clear.
It is a criminal matter as well so the company will be interested in your honesty. If you can record the dates/times that items are taken - it will help the internal investigation.

Answer 4

Good for you!! You did well to report it. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole lot. I would suggest you put it in writing and keep a copy, i.e. cover your back. Hope the Manager is not in on it. If you have someone further up, higher than the manager, report the issue to them if you feel the manager is doing nothing. Tell the manager again your concern and that you wish to go higher. If he/she still does not act, then go ahead and talk to the Superior officer. Send the manager a written cc so he/she knows you are serious. If no one seems to care after all this, then you may be in the wrong business, and may need to consider moving to save yourself from this unpalatable situation.

So many times we keep quiet and think something is none of our business, but it is everyone's moral and civic duty to report wrong doing. No two ways about it. Never for a moment feel guilty, your gut instincts were 100% spot on.

Answer 5

You have already reported it to the manager - now is the time to put it in writing to cover your own back. Write to the manager and state that you have already brought this to his/her attention. Is there a personnel department? you could also send a copy of your letter there. Do you really enjoy your job that much that you can put up with this going on around you? I understand if there isn't many jobs in your area you would want to keep your job. Once you have covered your back by putting it in writing you might just have to keep your head low and get on with things.

Answer 6

I happen to work in the same scenario......

Go further....talk to your manager's manager, let as many people know what is going on.... As long as u are keeping yourself out of the loop of the dishonest person you will be fine. Try to avoid contact with that particular person as much as possible, and DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CONFRONT HIM/HER....

You have to remember that it is your job to make sure your job is secure. You seem to be very concerned your reputation, so stuck it up and make a dishonest person get what deserved/asked for....And no matter what it won't be your fault if he/she loses job....he/she should have thought before acting....

You just do ahead and do the right thing.

Answer 7

I reported the same goings on , years ago , in the end it cost me my job , I had worked for the company for 17 years , new owners , new manager

It was the manager I reported ,

Month's later , he was caught , but too late for me

Why don't these people care

Answer 8

Do you work for a retailer? If so report it to your Loss Prevention Manager. If not LP staff then report it up the ladder until the crimes stop. For more info on Retail security issues see website below

Answer 9

Are you in a union?
Do you have a reporting line?

You have to escalate.
No point in saying your job is on the line. Do you want to continue to work with thieves?
The manager could be just too weak.

Its a relationship your job.
Would you stay in another relationship that was not working for you?

Answer 10

It sounds as if the manager might be involved also. Is there someone higher up than the manager who you could go to? If not, you may want to make a report to the police. It's theft.