DEAR DEIDRE: To feed her drug habit, my former manager has been stealing money from the restaurant where I worked.
I caught her doing a line of cocaine in the storeroom one day but she claimed a bag of flour was leaking and she was just cleaning it up.
I let her think I believed her but she can’t fob me off that easily. I really enjoyed my job but now the owner of the restaurant has realised the accounts don’t add up.
My manager is blaming other workers and has accused them of stealing.
Everyone is really upset but nobody will speak up and say they know it is her as she is very good friends with the owner.
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I am a 22-year-old man and she is 31. I have quit my job so I don’t get the blame but I hate the way she is getting away with it.
She drinks all day without paying. She sometimes hosts lock-ins and lets anyone help themselves to drinks. I would like my job back but I can’t work there with all that’s going on.
I am so tempted to tell the owners the truth but I don’t want to get anyone into trouble.
DEIDRE SAYS: Some people apply different standards to stealing from their employers than they do from individuals, but it is all theft.
If you want to consider going back there, speak to your former manager. Tell her you know what she’s been doing and that you think it’s wrong how she’s blaming other staff.
Tell her you are worried about her health and let her know it’s only a matter of time before the owners catch up with her.
Hopefully her conscience will kick in and she’ll ask for help, or will leave. You can get further advice and support from Acas who help with workplace issues (acas.org.uk, 0300 123 1100).
My support pack on Standing Up For Yourself will help you broach this tricky subject with her.