emloyees hours

[Buddie]

further to my last post (I got interrupted and didn'tfinish). What do i say to our employee Tom about his long lunch hours and nipping off jobs to go to shops/ knocking off early? Because his time sheet he hands in is saying 40 hours every week for months now. I think he thinks my partner is too busy to notice or doen't Know. I think it is going to be methat has to say something cos my partner won't confront him about it. He just keeps putting it off, and moaning to me. Now the other lads have heard what Tom is up to and they are really fed up as they work the full 40 hrs or if they don't they always tell us. any Advice much appreiciated!

[Finance Guy]

This is obtaning monies by deception and is a dismissable offence, if you can demonstrate that he has really done these things.

Take him to one side and tell him he is required to attend a disciplinary meeting, as you reasonably believe that he has knowingly submitted incorrect timesheets. Confirm this in writing, giving him min 24 hrs notice. He can have another employee as a witness, so can you. Give yourself time to gather irrefutable evidence.

Ask him to explain himself and present your evidence. Take notes of EVERYTHING that is said.

If he has more than one years service, you must adequately demonstrate this has happened and you could dismiss him for gross misconduct. He has the right to appeal within 7 days. You cant hear the appeal, somebody equally or more senior must do it.

Less than one year, issue contractual notice. I cant think why you or his colleagues would want this work shy waster to stay on - he is a drain to your business in more ways than one!

Good luck

[Finance Guy]

Just read the 1st post you did.

If he is generally good and has been with you a long time, maybe a stern talking to might do it, as nobody is correcting his behaviour, hence its escalating.

Good luck

[figure]

This is called company theft. He's stealing time from the business and falsely inflating your payroll. As a past human resources employee, I couldn't have given you better advice than what Finance Guy has given you.

[spudqueen]

You could try the friendly approach first, saying you don't mind him having 10 minutes longer at lunch as long as he makes up the time at the end of the day, or has a shorter lunch the next day, but please, don't take the mickey and put down 40 hours when you (and I) know you haven't.

[hev]

Start deducting his wages paying him only for what he works he will get the message

[Thunderchild]

yea unless he can otherwise have it overruled start taking accurate notes of his times and pay him your calculations not his if he has a problem he knows where the door is, if he has something to say tell him its not fair to the other workers or to you.

[Buddie]

Thanks guys, the advice is great especially finance guy.
I spoke to Tom informally and told him there have been complaints about his long lunch hours. i gave him a sheet with what his hours should be, ie 1 hour for lunch or half an hour and two quarter of an hour breaks. He said he goes to the wholesaler and thats why he appears to take so long. I don't believe this, but I think he knows we're watching him now. I've told my partner we'll have to make alot more spot checks turning up at jobs unannounced. Lets hope it works!

[thugulike]

Go to the ACAS website and follow the instructions for disciplinary. You should also make sure that your own disciplinary procedure is followed. Otherwise it could come back and bite you. You must take action or it will cause trouble with the rest of the staff.

[lynbrown]

Surely you have the procedures in place to disipline your staff. This is so unfair on other employees. Tom is in effect cheating you - would you say nothing if he had his hand in the till? You could ask him if he needs time off to deal with personal issues - perhaps he is looking after a sick partner/child/parent? Best to get it out in the open or your other workers will feel so resentful, they may start to look for other employment - I know I would. Grab the bull by the horns. Be fair but firm.