Instant dismissal after cashing in ‘find’ deposit voucher

This is evident from a ruling by the Central Netherlands court that was published yesterday.

The woman had been working for the supermarket since the summer of 2018, first as a shelf stacker, later also as a cashier. This came to an abrupt end this year after her employer confirmed in early June that the woman had received a deposit voucher when paying for her own groceries after closing hours.

Dismissal and blacklisting

An investigation reportedly showed that she had not scanned a customer’s receipt while moving at the service desk, but instead put it in her own pocket and cashed it off. The supermarket summarily fired the woman, without giving her a penny in severance pay. The woman was also banned from shopping and blacklisted for store staff.

The treasurer was not satisfied with this and went to court. According to her, she found the deposit bill and used it to pay for some groceries after her move. She said this often happened with receipts that were found. In court she asked for her job back and long pay, or a series of severance payments and payment for her remaining vacation days. She also wanted to lift the purchase ban and remove it from the blacklist.

Intolerance

In court, the employer emphasized that there is a so-called zero tolerance policy regarding theft. This means that even the smallest offense can lead to bankruptcy. This is also clearly explained in the company rules, so employees should be aware of that policy.

The decision published yesterday shows that the Utrecht sub-district court ruled in favor of the employer. Although the judge admits that the investment amount ‘represented a small value’, he rules that the dismissal should still be upheld.

No separation pay

According to the sub-district court judge, it was proved that the deposit slip was not the property of the woman. “As a result of this, she should have already understood that she was not allowed to give the relevant packing voucher and money for her own benefit,” the court said. pronounce.

What is certain to the judgment is that the employer implements a clear zero tolerance policy. For example, company rules clearly state that found items – including deposit slips – must always be given to the manager.

This means the cashier will not get her job back and will have to pay the required severance pay and overdue holidays. The purchase ban and blacklisting will remain in effect. In addition, the woman must pay 949 euros in legal costs from her former employer.