I work part-time in a very small shop in a very small town. There are two owners and 6-8 part-timers who run the place. One day I am asked to do inventory by one of the two owners and I find numerous high dollar items missing. When I report the findings to the owners they have a one-on-one sit down with some of the employees.

I am told by the owners that the thefts are happening when myself or one other employee is working. Their information is based on info from another employee with whom they are friends. They also tell me that if they can't get to the bottom of this they will let everyone go! Can they do that?

My husband says to be done with it and quit because it is just a part-time job, the owners are young, don't know what they are doing and it seems to him like I am being set up to be scape-goated. Any thoughts?

Yes, they can fire all the employees if they are unable to discover who the thief is.

They can choose to fire anyone one or more for the suspected theft. They don't even have to be right

Note; I am not saying it's fair, or right, or ethical. I'm saying it's legal.

I'm going to resign. You can call me alot of things, but one thing I'm not is a thief. Too much drama for me for a part-time job that pays $8.50/hr. I was just wanting to get out of the house, meet people and maybe make some new friends.

I don't feel comfortable working for an employer who doesn't trust me.

Then don't count on unemployment benefits.

Oh, I'm aware of that. It's never been about the money, but my integrity.

It wouldnt matter much since suspected theft as cause for termination would likely be enough for denial

I disagree. If the employer could not provide significant reason to suspect the specific employee, unemployment would likely be granted. Particularly if they fired everyone.

I agree with cbg.

Barry: Both Patty and cbg are far more knowledgable in this area than I please take their word over mine