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Colleague issue

8 replies

Tinkerbellaaa · 10/03/2020 19:39

Hi all,

A colleague of mine had a car accident on her way to work a few weeks ago which was her fault.

A couple of days ago, the colleague called me into the office and asked me to write a letter that confirmed she wasn't working on the day of her accident (which technically she wasn't due to the fact she never ended up coming in), I asked her why and she said that she told her insurance company she was on her way to work but her policy stated she would only be using her car for 'social use' therefore she would be liable to pay a huge sum.

I wrote it out and signed it but I felt really intimated by her, she said "I need you to write me a letter..." and I really didn't feel like I could say no. I left the office at one point but she called me back and said "don't forget my letter" and I just really felt like I had to.

I honestly am terrified that I'm going to get in trouble and I've worked so hard to be where I am today. What do I do?

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TheMemoryLingers · 10/03/2020 19:43

What exactly did you say in the letter? Did you say she didn't come into work or that she wasn't due to come into work?

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Lougle · 10/03/2020 19:47

You need to tell your manager straight away. No good will come of hiding this.

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lljkk · 10/03/2020 19:59

That's awkward. Some insurance policies are crap & don't make clear they don't cover commuting, but I thought it was quite unusual to be like that nowadays.

Whether you committed or abetted fraud probably depends what you wrote, OP.

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Tinkerbellaaa · 10/03/2020 20:01

@TheMemoryLingers

I said that she did not come into work

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Tinkerbellaaa · 10/03/2020 20:04

I just absolutely hate this - I never wanted to do it and I just really felt like I couldn't say no.

She also get in touch with HR to get her timesheet which further showed that she was not at work.

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Lougle · 10/03/2020 20:05

Well that's better than saying she wasn't scheduled to work.

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TheMemoryLingers · 10/03/2020 20:08

You technically haven't lied, but the problem is that you knew what she intended you to convey - i.e. that she wasn't commuting. I think in your position I would resolve to be totally accurate if there is any follow up - i.e. if you are asked more specifically if she was due come into work. I'm not sure there's anything you can usefully do now without making the problem worse.