Gross misconduct help

Loopylou2017

So 3 years ago I abused my supervisory role at work and took a small amount of money from my employer. Stupid mistake, no excuse! I was dismissed for gross misconduct and my previous employers asked the police to investigate, I wasn't charged with anything but I think I was cautioned, fast forward to today. The big chain I worked for have opened up a branch right next to my current employers and my old area manager came into my current workplace and made herself known to me, she just asked how long I'd worked here for and complimented something, my current employers don't know that i was dismissed as I didn't mention it, I am very worried that someone from my old workplace will say something to my current employers. Any advice?

IAmWales

Did your new employer ever ask your reason for leaving, have you ever given a different reason?

If your old manager speaks to your new manager then you're going to need be honest and see how they respond.

Loopylou2017

I didn't tell them the circumstances just that I'd fancied a change. The old company is a HUGE branch and my current job is a family run place. Can they just approach my new employers and talk about me?

Neil_Jones

I'd say if you put your previous employer down as a reference (not withstanding the gross misconduct), the reference was taken and you were still given the job, then the matter is probably closed unless you do something else that amounts to gross misconduct in your current role.

sangie595

Neil_Jones wrote: »

I'd say if you put your previous employer down as a reference (not withstanding the gross misconduct), the reference was taken and you were still given the job, then the matter is probably closed unless you do something else that amounts to gross misconduct in your current role.

And that other thing that amounts to gross misconduct is... Lying on your application for the job!

Can they tell your new employers? Yes, of course they can. That doesn't mean they will. But there is nothing to stop them doing so.

I'm sorry but there is no way to predict what might happen here. It would certainly be within the law to dismiss you for lying on your application. Unfortunately, had they known the truth, they may have decided not to employ you - but they also might have decided to because you were honest. At this stage, if they now find out, there are two instances of dishonesty - the theft and the lie. That may gives them pause about your honesty in other respects as an employee.

Loopylou2017

I approached my current employer and said I was looking for work I had a work trial and an informal interview and was offered the job. I never offered my old employers as a reference. My current employers didn't ask for any references. I have not lied about why I left my old job as there were other reasons I was not happy at work.

IAmWales

Loopylou2017 wrote: »

I didn't tell them the circumstances just that I'd fancied a change. The old company is a HUGE branch and my current job is a family run place. Can they just approach my new employers and talk about me?

You lied. You made a stupid mistake and followed it up with another stupid mistake.

All you can do is play it by ear, or be upfront and hope they don't dismiss you. Up to you.

IAmWales

Loopylou2017 wrote: »

I approached my current employer and said I was looking for work I had a work trial and an informal interview and was offered the job. I never offered my old employers as a reference. My current employers didn't ask for any references. I have not lied about why I left my old job as there were other reasons I was not happy at work.

You left because you were sacked!

You need to stop twisting the truth and start being honest. Have you not learned anything?

scd3scd4

Ohh come on, as if telling your new employer you were sacked for thief would be looked on highly and they would give you a job in response..


Everyone deserves a second chance. You could always say something to your old boss but not sure I would.
It would take one tool to say something 3 years later to try to lose you your job. How else is a person to move on. What's it to do with the old area manager anyway. Is it ok if he tells all your future employers?!


I wish you all the best.

Loopylou2017

Thanks for the replies, I have learned my lesson, the reason I didn't openly tell my new employer about being sacked is because I was ashamed and I didn't think anyone would give me a second chance. I have not had it easy over the last 3 years, I suffer greatly with mental Health issues. No excuse I know. I just worry that this area manager would take great pleasure in messing up my life.

[Deleted User]

If the area manager wanted to, I suspect they would have done by now. I would see if it ever comes up. Your current employer took you on after a trial, you have worked there for 3 years. I am sure this would be taken into account if you had to explain.

I'd leave it for now and see what happens.