I am worried i am going to lose my job. Please see below for details.?

I have worked for my employer for approx 16 years. Recently I made a mistake that could cost the company approx 6000 pounds. I am not completely to blame. To explain briefly - an agency we use on a regular basis should have carried out some work by a certain date. Had they done the work on the normal amount of time then there would not have been a problem. However they "dragged-their-heels" and a special permit went out of date. I didn't think to tell them the expiry date as they had time to complete the job. In their defence they didn't know the permit was going to expire, however they usually do the work quicker. My employer is having a meeting with the agency to discuss compensation but they will not accept ANY liability. Can I be fined the 6000 pounds and can I be fired for this? Sensible serious answers only please. I work in the UK.

mewot

I don't think you can be fined Â£6000 but i think that you can get fired. Whether they fire you or not is up to them.

t3h2

you will not have to pay the money yourself, and you will keep your job as long as you followed company procedures in dealing with the agency.

tanika971

Sleep easy, you will not have to pay the money, anyone can make a mistake, like you say you have been employed with them for 16years so they must think something of you.
All firms have insurance for things like this, so DONT worry.

Cari

No, your employer has no recourse over claiming the Â£6,000 back from you.

Whether you could lose your job or not kind of depends. Really, you shouldn't lose it - even if the employer decides to hold you accountable, they should give you a verbal warning in line with normal disciplinary procedures. If they wanted to dismiss you immediately, they'd have to class it as gross misconduct but this usually relates to matters where you have acted unethically, not to matters like this where you've made a simple mistake - so I'd say that if they did try this, you'd certainly have a case for unfair dismissal.

The agency are obviously refusing to accept responsibility to get out of paying a fine or compensation. They're taking the chance that your employer is not going to sue them because if they were to do so, it's likely that their legal costs would be more than the Â£6,000 that they've supposedly cost your employer. But, the fact that your employer has asked for compensation is proof that they recognise that you are not solely to blame.

Steve P

No ypu will not be liable for costs and no you cant lose your job, at best they could discipline you with a final written as a maximum seek help from Citizens advice and if there is a union join it quick

Gordon S

I have employed staff for over 10 years. Mistakes happen. That is simply a cost of doing business. It sounds like you are doing your best and this was an unfortunate oversight. Whilst charging employees for mistakes would be great, you should then also benefit from the profits you've helped generate over the last 16 years! I suspect you may get a verbal warning, but my guess is a quiet word will be had and nothing more. The fact you've been with them for 16 years suggests they are a fair employer.

MISS ******

16 years wit the employer gains you a lot of trust!!

I'd say your not gonna win employer of the month, but I can't see them sacking you over this - get those knuckles out for a wrap though!!

Good luck :D

des

no you wont have to pay the money and if you loose your job for a first mistake then its very harsh you can take your employer to an industrial tribunal if you think you have been treated unfairly

pingu says

na you wont be liable for the 6k but you could be up for disiplinary. if your on salary or on a retainer you could have the contract made void or paid until the next month and then let go. more than likely you may get a verbal warning. if you do get one refuse to take it unless a witness is present and they sign a chit. i'm no employment expert but i wouldnt allow anybody to give me a dressing down or a verbal or written warning unless there was a witness. just to cover your back get ready to hit them first, any health and safety issues or tax dodges record them on your moby camera or take notes.

firthmuir

it is not easy to fire some one that has been in employment for more than one year. there is a lot of preset rules they have to stick to or you can take them to tribunal. if that is all you've done don't worry

Blazing Pen Avenger.

Do not trust the situation. Take legal advice.

Bob P

The company should be adequately insured against such losses.

You might be liable to a formal reprimand, but even that is probably over the top.

I am thinking, now, of a recent incident in my Son's team, where one of his men got really careless with the forklift and did some Â£35,000 worth of damage to a co-located company's storage bins! After consultation with their legal advisors, the fool was verbally reprimanded and that was that.

If you were to lose your job over this, after 16 years assumed blameless employment, I'd be down the road to the Employment Tribunal and taking them for every penny I could get!

alwaysthere

I think your history with the company shows that your a good employee so I think that they will take that all into consideration when making a decision to let you go. I believe as long as you followed the procedure you shouldnt have a problem. I really dont think they will fine you the 6000.

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