To think they should sack her?

[Yellowdove]

Colleague in work seems to lie a lot about her home/ family life that are easily proven to be untrue. However, she is really good at her job and has never lied about a work related issue (as far as we know). My point is how can we trust her if she lies about such pointless stuff in such a compulsive way?! HR seems to be saying as a it isn’t a work issue there’s nothing we can do. But how is it not a work issue?

How is it a work issue? What makes it your business?

Because we work in a role where being trustworthy is incredibly important. And she isn’t at all. Her lies are just bizarre - things like how many children she has and convoluted stories about them. (My Aunt is her childminder so I know what she is saying can’t possibly be true).

Because it's not a work issue.

Durr.

It isn't a work issue because it isn't affecting their work.

Why are you so keen to get her sacked? What grounds do you think they would have to sack her exactly - that she might do something wrong?

Because it’s creepy. And because as I said we work in a role that requires a great deal of trust. It’s one of the capabilities we are assessed on in work. I’m worried if she’s such a liar how much damage she could cause if she wanted to

If her work isn't impacted in any way then no. Just decline to socialise with her, or refuse to discuss personal things.

The work issue here is your aunt, the Childminder, breaching confidentiality by disclosing things to you about her client.

It depends what it says in your contracts I guess.

So you arent even sure her lies are actually lies you just think they are?
I think you might be better just ignoring her if you prefer. It’s got zero to do with her employer.

Yet HR disagrees with you.

No, they shouldn't.

I am definitely sure her lies are lies. They aren’t even small lies they are huge whoppers.

No because she hasn't lied in work.

However - if she said something in work that people thought was a lie she is probably setting herself up to fail because she's known to lie about non work stuff.

The aunt should not be discussing any personal information

You don't have a clue why this woman is making things up , maybe she's desperately trying to fit in ? How do you know some of it is not true
I tell people I have 3 children , I only tell the very select few that I have 4

Has it occurred to you that there could be a really good reason she lies about her private life?

Her life outside work is non of your business. She can insist she lives with unicorns and fairies. It’s not your business.

It doesn’t impact her work, so keep out of it.

Imagine thinking someone should be sacked because you think they have to give the detail about their lives.

Just because your aunt is her childminder it doesmt mean she shows her family life, my sons childcare workers know jack shit about me. And either way your aunt should not be talking to you about her customers. I'd be more concerned working with a busy body who sticks their nose in other peoples business

How can someone be trusted to handle valuable sensitive data if they wouldn’t know the truth if it hit them on the arse?

Perhaps one of her children died? Some parents always count them, ie they have four children but there are only three living. Therefore both statements could be true.

As a teen I told a few disgusting lies. My best friends mum at the time was best friends with a headteacher. She had obviously discussed me. Years later she ended up the HT at my dc school she judged me massively and made my life hell based on my stupidity as a teenager. It was totally unfair

in this case OP I think you need to take a step back

Everyone is ultimately right OP, this isn't a work issue until it becomes one. And it might, tbf.

Saying that, I worked with someone who told massive whoppers ranging from how many children he had, the jobs he was qualified for and the houses he owned (etc). It was very strange. He ended up being let go for drinking on the job but his behaviour was bizarre from the start.

I can’t imagine what sort of thing she’s lying about? Can you give a vague example?

It's your aunt who should be sacked

How can you aunt be someone’s child minder and talk about her customers personal lives?

To set an example, you should tell all your Aunts clients, that she gossips about them. So they can stop using her.

You surely should agree with your Aunts actions and think she should lose her job?

Actually if you've been to HR and they do not see a problem then continuing to push could be viewed as workplace bullying. It could be you who ends up without a job.

This is probably why she doesn't disclose the facts.