I gave customer big discount by mistake and have been suspended

DEAR DEIDRE: HAVE I committed gross misconduct?

I’m the manager of a shop and during the Christmas rush, I mistakenly gave a customer a 25 per cent staff discount instead of the five per cent loyalty saving.

When I noticed my error, I immediately told my boss.

I expected a mild telling off, but they suspended me pending an investigation.

I knew the customer, so it looks like I’ve been giving hand-outs to my friends.

I’m scared that I will never get another retail job.

DEIDRE SAYS: Gross misconduct is any damaging, fraudulent, illicit, offensive or insulting behaviour from an employee.

If things are as you say, your boss is being quite harsh. Mistakes like these are usually handled with a performance review rather than a suspension.

Your first move should be to contact Acas, the independent workplace advisory board (0300 123 1100, acas.org.uk), which can work with you and your employer to resolve the dispute fairly.