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In the workplace: caught red-handed?

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In the workplace: caught red-handed?

Personnel issues in the pharmacy explained

You catch a staff member pocketing some stock when they think no one is looking. What do you do?

Employee theft and fraud costs UK retailers £1.68bn a year, according to the latest figures from the Centre for Retail Research (retailresearch.org/ukretailcrime.php). Whether a paperclip or a biro, money or stock, it is a criminal offence to steal anything from the workplace, no matter what it is.

Gather evidence

Accusing somebody of theft is not a good idea without evidence to back it up, so check CCTV if you have it and talk to your head office or seek legal advice as to how to proceed. Remember, if the case goes to court, then the prosecution will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a crime was actually committed.

Arrange a meeting

If you confront your staff member, speak to them in private or with someone else from your management team present. Draw attention to their contract or your staff handbook where the subject of stealing – and any punishments or consequences such as dismissal and prosecution – will be covered. Follow your company’s procedure for this kind of incident, and do so without anger so that you cannot be accused of bullying.

Second chances

Depending on what was stolen, your company policy and how your staff member responds, you may decide not to take it further if you think it is a one-off occurrence and only issue a warning. Use your judgement but make it clear that any second chance is also a last chance. Whatever the reason, stealing is completely unacceptable.

Keep ‘em peeled...

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