Job seekers endeavor to put their best foot forward when applying for a job. For this reason, it is not uncommon for candidates to embellish their accomplishments or make untrue claims about their qualifications and previous work experience.
However, it is one thing to want to impress the recruitment manager and a totally different ball game when an employee lies about their capabilities. So what do you do if you hire someone only to learn thereafter that they lied on their resume? Can you show them the door?
Lying for a job is a big deal
While applying for the job, there is a pretty good chance the candidate appended their signature on the cover letter or checked some boxes. In so doing, the candidate was stating that the information they provided was true and complete. And it is on this basis that you probably made the decision to hire the employee in question. It can, therefore, be understandably disappointing to learn that you were duped.
Lying to get the job speaks volumes about an employee’s character and trustworthiness. So, YES, you can terminate the employment contract if you learn that an employee stretched the truth to get the job. To dismiss an employee for lying, however, you will need to prove that the false information provided by the employee was a contributing factor in their recruitment. In other words, you must prove that their action amounted to misconduct.
As an employer, you recruit new employees by entering into a contract based on the information they provided regarding their skills, qualifications and capabilities. If an employee lies to get the job, however, then the employment contract can be deemed invalid.