A senior university employee's claim of unfair dismissal was quashed after evidence of falsified timesheets emerged.
Topics covered
A senior finance coordinator at Bath Spa University Students’ Union has been dismissed following revelations that she grossly misreported her working hours. Sharon Wiltshire, who claimed to have worked five hours, was actually logged in for just 11 minutes. This shocking discrepancy raises serious questions about accountability in remote work arrangements.
Discrepancies uncovered
Wiltshire’s termination came after an investigation revealed ‘major discrepancies’ in 53 of her logged hours. The tribunal in Bristol learned that these inconsistencies primarily occurred during her work-from-home periods. Despite her attempts to explain the anomalies, her claims were quickly debunked.
Claims of altered data
During the investigation, Wiltshire alleged that her timesheet data had been manipulated. However, the evidence presented showed a clear pattern of falsification. The tribunal found that management had a ‘genuine reason’ to dismiss her, concluding that Wiltshire likely wasn’t working as claimed.
Ongoing performance issues
Since joining the students’ union in April 2017, Wiltshire had been responsible for critical finance operations. Yet, her performance began to decline, particularly after a software update in the summer of 2023. Concerns over her behavior surfaced, including instances of rudeness and refusal to complete assigned tasks.
Management’s response
In December, the Head of Finance, Gail Boulton, initiated a review of the finance team due to subpar performance. Wiltshire was instructed to log her tasks, but she soon stopped cooperating, further raising suspicions about her integrity. The tribunal heard that discrepancies were most pronounced during her remote working hours, leading to her suspension.
Investigation findings
Investigators discovered that in an 11-week period, Wiltshire had logged start times that preceded her actual login on ten occasions. Similarly, she reported finishing later than her logout times six times and claimed to have worked outside regular hours without evidence. In stark contrast, her office hours aligned almost perfectly with IT logs.
Dismissal for gross misconduct
After a thorough investigation, Wiltshire faced a disciplinary hearing where she continued to deny wrongdoing. Despite her assertions of accurate timesheets, the evidence led to her dismissal on February 29 for gross misconduct. The tribunal supported the decision, emphasizing that falsifying work hours destroys the trust integral to employer-employee relationships.
Tribunal’s ruling
Judge Manjit Hallen ruled against Wiltshire, affirming the union’s decision to fire her was justified. The judge noted that her explanations for the discrepancies fell short of credibility. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honesty in the workplace, especially in an era where remote work is becoming the norm.
Final reflections
The consequences of Wiltshire’s actions extend beyond her employment. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges organizations face in managing remote work and maintaining accountability. As the nature of work continues to evolve, so must the systems that ensure integrity in reporting and performance.
