Buying from residents

[callist]

Hello,
I am from the UK and looking for advice on a matter.
Can a person employed by the council to look after the elderly be able to buy
vegetables from one of the residents being looked after?


Thank you.

[hc4361]

This is one of those stupid areas where using common sense can get you in to a lot of trouble, so discuss it with your line manager before you do.
I really cannot see a reason why you shouldn't as it is something that would benefit you both, but you really do have to be so very careful these days.
Get the ok from your boss before you do.
Alternatively you may be able to buy the same vegetables indirectly, perhaps a neighbour could buy them with your money.

[callist]

It's more of the boss not liking it, but nowhere I can see in the law it forbids it. Hence, to continue it would be great to know if it is a sackable offence or not.

Thanks for your reply though, any more detail on this?

[saxy_jag]

Well, if you were looking after someone who ran a small shop, then it wouldn't be out of order for you to buy from the shop when you visit, would it. However, if you can, try to make any transactions outside of your working hours.

We council employees have to be very careful these days. If there aren't fellow employees out to get us, then there are clients and their families who are serial complainers. We have to take advice on every little thing we do. It wouldn't be a bad idea to call your HR department and ask for their take on the matter. Your boss doesn't need to know,

[daffy654]

If you do continue to purchase the vegetables from the client then it may be advisable to get receipts every time,or maybe make sure the transaction is performed in front of another person.