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Drop your colleague in it?

If you shared a desk with another individual would you accept that you should also be to blame for items found on your shared computer when you know without a shadow of a doubt that the items belong to the other person and can prove it.

On this occasion I've taken the telling off on the chin, but I'm wondering now as the newer of the employees if I should have had a quiet word with my line manager after the discovery showing the dates and times that the documents were edited to show that it couldn't have been me leaving only one other person to blame.

I know I would feel guilty dropping them in it, but on the other hand I'm getting fed up of covering for the person I job share with.
BYS # 7 £0 /£1000
Quit smoking Sept 2013 - Saved £525 (4/12/13)
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Comments

  • coinxoperated
    coinxoperated Posts: 1,026 Forumite
    Tough one really...

    Does it matter? Really? REALLY? Will or does the other person cause you any other problems? You could end up in quite a nice position of not being the 'grass' of the office, but also being pretty open and honest and not being a trouble maker.

    If its the first time its happened and that you are able to go back and prove it wasn't your mistake / wern't to blame etc, then I would hold out. If anything else comes up, THEN state it.

    A lot of managers have to 'deal' with things, without wanting to actually 'deal' with it if you know what I mean :)
  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have a word with the colleague, in my opinion.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • bluenoseam
    bluenoseam Posts: 4,612 Forumite
    If it's an official warning (i.e. verbal) and the timestamps proved it couldn't have been me I'd be raising it, if it's just an informal chat then I'd raise it with the colleague along the lines of "I'm not catching sh*t for you again!". Seems fair enough to me.
    Retired member - fed up with the general tone of the place.
  • Phil_68
    Phil_68 Posts: 140 Forumite
    Not a tough one at all, I would and have took the blame for many a work colleague, only for it to backfire when they are up against the wall.

    If it was a personal friend, then yes, stay quiet - a colleague, then cover your back.

    Phil.
    Life - It's only a once in a lifetime experience.
  • This is not the first time it's happened, but the first time one of the Directors has noticed.

    I don't want to get anyone into any trouble but the extra work their mistakes cause me is getting frustrating. The fact that it has now been noticed by a senior person within the company and we've had an 'informal chat' about this issue makes me wonder if now is maybe the time to actually bring it up.

    I don't intend to mention anything on this occasion, I think it's just the whole situation is getting frustrating for me at the moment. I also wonder if maybe they'd have done the same for me if the situation was reversed.

    I've never worked in this type of environment before and I guess that I'm just used to being 'told off' when it is my mistake as in my previous positions I was the only person responsible for my work.
    BYS # 7 £0 /£1000
    Quit smoking Sept 2013 - Saved £525 (4/12/13)
  • AP007
    AP007 Posts: 7,109 Forumite
    If you shared a desk with another individual would you accept that you should also be to blame for items found on your shared computer when you know without a shadow of a doubt that the items belong to the other person and can prove it.

    On this occasion I've taken the telling off on the chin, but I'm wondering now as the newer of the employees if I should have had a quiet word with my line manager after the discovery showing the dates and times that the documents were edited to show that it couldn't have been me leaving only one other person to blame.

    I know I would feel guilty dropping them in it, but on the other hand I'm getting fed up of covering for the person I job share with.
    why are you sharing a computer?
    We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • mrcow
    mrcow Posts: 15,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Are you sharing a computer? or do you just need to password protect your one?
    "One day I realised that when you are lying in your grave, it's no good saying, "I was too shy, too frightened."
    Because by then you've blown your chances. That's it."
  • AP007 wrote: »
    why are you sharing a computer?

    I'm part time so they use my office after I leave for the day, hence being able to prove without a shadow of a doubt that the mistakes and changes are not mine.
    BYS # 7 £0 /£1000
    Quit smoking Sept 2013 - Saved £525 (4/12/13)
  • Phil_68
    Phil_68 Posts: 140 Forumite
    I also wonder if maybe they'd have done the same for me if the situation was reversed.

    Read this again and you will find your answer, if you have a doubt spit him out.
    Life - It's only a once in a lifetime experience.
  • mrcow
    mrcow Posts: 15,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Cover your back.

    Absolutely.

    You could lose your job over this if it happens again. It's not worth it.
    "One day I realised that when you are lying in your grave, it's no good saying, "I was too shy, too frightened."
    Because by then you've blown your chances. That's it."
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