Dismissals for gross misconduct at HMRC have reached a five-year high, with 179 workers having their employment terminated in 2023, marking a 43% increase since 2020. The total, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, marks the highest recorded in at least five years. Additionally, the Department for Work and Pensions reported 190 dismissals for gross misconduct in 2023/24, accounting for 40% of all terminations, although this is a decrease from the 221 seen in 2022. Steve Sweetlove from consulting adviser RSM observed: “An uptick in dismissals for gross misconduct could be seen as a troubling trend but it may highlight that a firmer stance is being taken by HMRC in staff disciplinary matters.” An HMRC spokesman said: “We take all allegations seriously to ensure we work in an inclusive environment that is friendly, tolerant and respectful.”
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