Hi Debbie,

I'm in a dilemma at work. My boss recently announced that money has been disappearing from the petty cash tin and said it was under investigation. I am pretty sure I know who it is. I saw a colleague taking money a while ago, and I was suspicious even then. The thing is, I think my boss suspects that it's either me or her as no one else has access. I feel really sorry for her as she is a single mum and is going through a hard time at the moment, but if they think it's me I could risk losing my job. What should I do?

Thanks for your help Debbie.

UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:

Hi there,

This is a very difficult situation and I don't envy you having to deal with such a multi-faceted problem. As a first step, I would suggest that you first identify the various conflicting issues and try to get them clear in your mind.

Firstly - there is your own position. It might sound naïve, but if you are innocent, as you say you are, then you have nothing to fear from an investigation.

Next, it seems to me, that you need to stop worrying about your colleague. Feeling sorry for her, as a single mother is, of course, commendable, but ultimately, it is not up to you either to defend or condemn her.

Thirdly, the investigation that is 'currently underway' is interesting. Quite honestly, what kind of investigation can it be really? If there are no witnesses (apart from yourself), how will evidence be gathered? You saw your colleague taking money from the petty cash - but in all honesty you have no real idea why she took the money - maybe her boss told her to take it to buy some item for the office. You need to make it quite clear, calmly and quietly, that you have nothing to fear from an investigation, and that you will not be drawn into speaking out against anyone else, except to tell them what you have seen - as objectively as you possibly can, and then, only when asked to do so.

At the end of the day, truth will out, everyone involved should endeavour to behave with dignity and honesty, and you would be wise not to get bogged down by trying to sort out everyone else's lives for them. And if, God forbid, you should be unjustly accused, and lose your job as a result, you do have rights as an employee; an industrial tribunal can be convened to challenge the dismissal and give you an opportunity both to defend yourself and seek rightful compensation.

If the worst comes to the worst, the Department of Trade and Industry website, gives the low-down on all the relevant issues to do with unfair dismissal.

Good luck.

Debbie