Disciplinary action

[Bingo99]

A colleague (male) recently got caught with another member of staff (female) by her manager in a side room during working hours. No-one else involved, no other previous "history".

Does anyone know if this could be a sackable offence for him or her?

Thanks

[cheapnchic]

If it was during their break maybe not so much but during works time, I would think yes. Sleeping on the job is an instant dismisal so the other probably is too. I guess they would probably just get let off with a warning though

[bednobs]

do you mean they were having sex or thy were just in the same room together?

[Bingo99]

Bednobs - "halfway", if you get my drift.

[flip_flop]

"halfway"

I assume you mean a blowie?

I think it'd be pretty harsh to sack them for that.

[NOX]

Have they even been reported by the manager- in my experience a lot of people would be too embarassed to do anything under the circumstances ( except maybe snigger about it).

[ChuckFickens]

Sex, or sexual activity at work could certainly be classed as gross misconduct and therefore be a instant sackable offence.

(the sex of the participants is of no relevance, it wouldn't matter if it was two blokes, two women or one of each)

[rowanwitch]

Sack them for getting caught who wants employees that dumb working for them...

[mccfluff]

its gross misconduct, they will be lucky not to get the sack!

[China Doll]

It'd be gross misconduct here and a firing offence. However plenty of people (if you believe the rumours)have done it but have had the good sense not to get caught.

[jd_1984]

It is a complex issue.
Your company's stance could vary to other company's positions.
Whilst engaging in this activity, were they neglecting their duties and what are the possible consequences of neglecting duties?
Where both parties complicit and consenting?
Where they on a designated break? (possibly irrelevant given nature of the act)
What would the considered health, safety and hygene implications be?
Are other staff aware of what was going on and what message does it send out if the employer takes no action?
It may not be an outright sacking i.e gross misconduct but a disciplinary procees should be started in my opinion

[RATTER15]

I would sack them them if it was my company!!

They could easily be sacked!

[MoonRocker]

I'd go alone with Rowan on that one! Obviously too stupid to not get caught!

[jd_1984]

I worked with a guy a number of years ago who was sacked for similar but it was due to his neglect of his duties/responsibilities rather than the act its self.
He was "snogging" his girlfriend who had come to bring his dinner to work (he was on a gatehouse at a factroy), They were having a good old snog and he failed to notice 2 wagons that needed access to the site. The wagon drivers rung theri HQ, who rung his supervisor and he was caught.
But he was actually told my his supervisor that "We know this sort of thing happens but I can not excuse the delay caused to the drivers who were accountable for being delayed.