Money Moral Dilemma: Should we roll over absent co-worker's lottery win?

primrose_penguin

I think you should give her the winnings explaining you have deducted her entry payments, at the same time check if she wants to continue with the lottery. I am sure she will appreciate it especially as she is unwell at the moment. I dare say the legal position would be that if a persons payments stop then they would not be eligible to be paid out on a win, however I would not be happy doing that to a work colleague who is off sick and I am sure you will feel much happier knowing you have done the right thing.

savo456

If it was me I would just deduct what she would have paid from the winnings and then offer it to her. It pays to be kind and i think this would do more for morale of those involved than getting picky over things. 

But seeing as there's no precedence for this situation then it needs some a bit extraordinary to fix. Anyone quoting "Camelot" or National Lottery says this or that" is missing the fact they have had lawyers pore over T&Cs etc. This is just a bit of fun in the workplace. 

I think doing a blind vote for all those involved - two options to vote on and then its final. Either 1) roll over or 2) give her the prize minus any costs not paid. Nice and quick and people can be honest without worrying what everyone else might think of their vote.  

meknowalot-51

From what your saying it's obviouse that no one from the lottery group has been around to see her or enquire as to how she's doing,no mention of her wellbeing.What a nice group you all sound.I suggest that you go around and talk to her or at least phone expressing your concern for her state of mind and inform her of the situation regarding the lottery money.I do hope that she doesn't live alone and in need of contact from her work colleagues/friends.

Clarity2

Yes of course you should give her the winnings with the payments deducted of course, because the only reason she didn't pay was because she was off work and it would be unreasonable of you to expect her to find a way to pay when not at work. This is what you hope someone else would do for you.

yorkie22

Question is, did whoever puts the lottery on let the person know they were behind? Also have you got a contract that everyone has signed to agree to conditions? I  drew one up for some of us at work. It stated that if someone failed to pay on the day there was  a winner  they lost out on their share. I also put that in certain circumstances of illness when they are unable to get the money in they can still have their share. You have to think, have they been contacted about their contribution and if not why. 

Thrugelmir

savo456 said:

This is just a bit of fun in the workplace. 

A £400 prize pot is more than just fun many people.  Imagine being told that the payout is only £350 due to unpaid subs..........

gloriouslyhappy

This dilemma is why my company doesn't allow lottery syndicates or sweepstakes, and if colleagues are friends outside work and chose to set up a lottery syndicate or sweepstakes for the Grand National, it's regarded as a private affair. Going by that reasoning, someone from the syndicate should have contacted the absent one to ask about their subs and if no response, consider that member out until they rejoin and start paying again.

If that wasn't done, and no agreed rules are in place, then a yes / no ballot (secret as another poster suggested) on paying out should be held, and acted upon accordingly. If yes, deduct the missing subs and put into following week's pot. 

Joeinwigan

She might be swinging the “lead”???

smartwoman

I would contact her and say she owes x amount for the draw and ask her to pay what is owing,  if she says she does not want to pay then problem solved deduct the amount she owes from the pot and roll it over. 

If she wants to continue then let her pay and then give her the payout.
BUT you need to review what happens if someone fails to pay in future!