MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Grant's been overpaid, should he keep it?

cazrobinson

If he wants to keep his job, he should explain he's got overpaid!

TheBaldwins

As he's a friend, I would own up. Working for friends is never a good idea (if they are a friend beforehand).
I was in a similar position but with a big company instead and i didn't own up. They came after me for the money (about £200) and I agreed to pay back £5 a month (I was a poor student at the time). I paid back £20 and then didn't pay any more - they let it drop as it probably cost them more to chase it up! Do I feel bad? Not at all!

Primrose

Yes. he should tell them he's received more money than he expected, query whether it was unused holiday entitlement or a week in hand, or ask whether it was a genuine mistake of overpayment.

eternal_optimist_3

No dilemma! He should definitely own up!

He may have miscalculated, he may be owed holiday pay, he may have lying time due from when he first started, his boss may have included a bonus. he may even have been underpaid once all this has been taken into account.

It is always important to be ABSOLUTELY clear about what you've been paid and why.

rag_doll

If he's not entitled to the money then he should own up, no dilemma there !

kikibee_2

He should definetly own up.
1 They have had a good working relationship.
2 It might be a little bonus
3 It might be holiday pay owing
4 Its good to leave knowing you can ask for a reference that will be in your favour
5 You never know, if things don't work out you might have to ask for your old job back.

jellybean0k

definately give it back

kikibee_2

Actually I have just remembered that about 14 years ago I left a job and they had forgotten to take me off the payroll unbeknown to me. I used to be paid fortnightly into my bank and I received pay 2 weeks after leaving. I presumed it was my last pay/hols owing etc. Then they realised after a while and demanded the money back with threatening letters. I went to the CAB who were great and wrote to them telling them they were in the wrong for their oversight and that they could have the money back at x amount a month. I really did not realise this was not my money but it still caused a bit of hassle for me to sort out so I guess what I am saying is apart from my previous post, if you don't like having a little wrangle, just own up.

Martin_Edney

Honesty is always the best policy.

If Grant owns up, his honesty will be remembered and valued, and when he needs a favour from Phil (the boss), he'll be treated much more favourably.

cryptokit

I would have to say you should bring it straight to Phils attention. People above have listed many good reasons, including the reference and other bits.

I left some employers (small companies) on really good terms with the owners, and still to this day have received the kinds of discounts off their products as I had as a staff member. There is no way Phil would do that if he later felt cheated...

Everything is give and take. If employee respects employer, and vice versa, the world of work can be a great place.