Gross misconduct hearing next week – I need urgent advice please

Popec5

I am working in a store in the last 9 months. I was called in the office last Friday and was suspended on full pay while they investigate.
I was told there is a case against me which is a gross misconduct, because my loyalty card (discount card) was used by someone else than me.
I admitted on the spot that it is true, I am guilty, as I lent the card to one of my colleagues while I went on holiday to a different country.
I had no idea I was doing anything wrong, I read the rules when I received my card that only I (and a nominated user) can use it, but I didn't remember it, it didn't occurred to me that I do any wrong, when I gave the card to her, it was absolutely not on purpose against the company, but out of doing good to a colleague, who would receive her own card 2 weeks later.
Before I've got my card one of my colleagues used his for my transaction too, I was glad he helped.
And I've seen other colleagues doing it for each other too. I never thought more of it.
It is an honest mistake, I had no idea I did any wrong until I was faced with it and I did admit my mistake at once.
It seems she lent the card to others too, and even asked me to give her my card back again after my holiday when she had her own, as she said she was too lazy to register it.

My hearing will be sometimes next week.

Any thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Gingernutty

It's more than a loyalty card. It's a 10% discount card. You and one other nominated user are allowed to use the card. That's it.

You've admitted a charge of gross misconduct after lending your discount card to someone who wasn't registered to use it and who lent it out to others.

You trusted someone who turned out to be lazy and irresponsible. Dump your mate.

Sainsbury's have more than likely been able to trace the discount card and noted the purchases by more than one other person.

If you are part of a union, talk to your union rep about negotiating a reference.

Start looking for alternative employment.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

What do you need advice on?

TELLIT01

You can't use 'Everybody else does it' as a justification for breaking the rules. You've been caught and will face the consequences, just as you would had you been caught speeding.
All you can do is apologies and see what happens. I certainly wouldn't drag other people into what is absolutely a problem of your own making by naming them.

You also give the impression that you think you are wonderful but most of the other staff have a different opinion! Maybe you also need to consider how you come across to others either by intent or action?

ohreally

Popec5 wrote: »

Any thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Start job hunting, looking for something that is congruent with your ethics.

whatever888

As an employee of retail company x, aren't you a member of USDAW? Even if not, contact a rep as soon as possible, there are generally a couple in every store and ask them to accompany you to the interview/hearing. Whilst they probably won't be able to get you out of this, they can argue your case a lot better than you yourself pointing out your good points, etc.

Depending on your record they might let you off with a final written warning but let your rep explain.

tomtontom

You've told us who you work for and in which area - you are aware that your have admitted to further breaches in your post, and someone from your employer could read this and link it back to you?

lincroft1710

As you've only worked there for 9 months, your employer can sack you without reason. So the disciplinary may be just a warning or they just prefer to go through the motions when dismissing someone.

Popec5

tomtontom wrote: »

You've told us who you work for and in which area - you are aware that your have admitted to further breaches in your post, and someone from your employer could read this and link it back to you?

Oh gosh, I didn't think of that. Thanks, I corrected it.

Popec5

whatever888 wrote: »

As an employee of retail company x, aren't you a member of USDAW? Even if not, contact a rep as soon as possible, there are generally a couple in every store and ask them to accompany you to the interview/hearing. Whilst they probably won't be able to get you out of this, they can argue your case a lot better than you yourself pointing out your good points, etc.

Depending on your record they might let you off with a final written warning but let your rep explain.

Thank you for this good reply. No, I am not part of any union and never heard of USDAW before. I just checked it out and will contact them, although I am not sure I can join and ask for their help at once....

Topcat1982

Gingernutty wrote: »

You've admitted a charge of gross misconduct after lending your discount card to someone who wasn't registered to use it and who lent it out to others.

You trusted someone who turned out to be lazy and irresponsible. Dump your mate.
.

Where does it say the colleague then lent it to others?