Money Moral Dilemma: Should I tell my employer my annual leave wasn't deducted?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I completed my employer's annual leave request form and subsequently took the time off. But when I checked my remaining leave entitlement it showed more days than I should have - the leave I took wasn't deducted. Do I tell my employer or say nothing and keep the extra leave?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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ElefantEd

No, don't tell them and while you're at it try and smuggle out the contents of the stationery cupboard under your coat, forge some receipts so you can get more cash on expenses and attend the funerals of a couple of dozen grannies to get even more time off.



Or, to put it another way, yes obviously tell them, apart from anything else they will probably notice sooner or later. Is this really a dilemma?

Mrsn

Yes you should tell them, the chances are it will be discovered and clawed back at a later date. They will I’m sure appreciate the honesty from you

CanonBrock

If you found that you salary payment was short you would be on to your employer straight away. Why is it any different the other way round? Where is your loyalty?

Kim_kim

I guess as you said leave you are a public sector employee?

Of course you should tell them!

LawAbiding

One way to built up trust between you and your employer is go be honest, so here's your opportunity.

I got overpaid in expenses by a few quid, I noticed them immediatly, whilst my manager asked me to forget about it, they appreciated my honesty.

torchie

Sorry but what else do you call it if it isn’t leave. The last time I heard it called holiday was probably 20+ years ago ...... vacation is very much an American term.

Beckie76

Honestly is the best policy, so I would say let your employer know about it.....

REJP

I despair about these alleged dilemma topics.
Of course you tell your employer, one reason being that companies and Local Govt do audits every year and if your discrepancy shows up before you tell them it just shows how dishonest you are. May even be viewed as misconduct. You would no doubt tell your employer if you were cheated out of something.
If you don't tell them, to put it bluntly you are a thief, and could be formally reprimanded or even dismissed.

Beckie76

Honestly is the best policy! So tell your employer about it and live without guilt

getmore4less

If you have to interact with the system so would be expected to see the availability, Eg when you book holiday, that is the latest you should raise the issue next time you book a holiday.

If you never have to look at the system and only ever book upto your correct amount without going over then you won't have taken something you should not have.

Without knowing the system and process it might be as simple as a manager has not updated.

Could be more sinister and they have set a trap.