A scandal at a Primark store in Galicia has sparked debate about trust between employer and employee. A department manager who had worked at the company for nearly 15 years was dismissed without severance pay after attempting to take eight items worth less than €90. The court’s decision signals to everyone that even minor infractions can have serious consequences.
According to case files, the incident took place in February 2024. After his shift, the employee tried to leave the store with items hidden in his personal bag. Security stopped him, and after inspection, the man voluntarily returned all the goods. Although the value of the loss was minor, Primark management deemed the act grounds for immediate dismissal without compensation.
Arguments from both sides
The dismissed manager tried to challenge the company’s decision in court, citing his spotless record and lack of disciplinary action over many years of service. He also argued that security violated his right to personal privacy, as the search was carried out without union representatives present. However, the court rejected these arguments, noting that the employee handed over the contents of his bag at the security team’s request and therefore his rights were not violated.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Primark’s internal policy strictly prohibits employees from purchasing goods during their shift or bringing them into staff-only areas. The court of first instance found the dismissal lawful, and an appeal to the higher court of Galicia was also unsuccessful for the former employee.
The role of trust
The judges emphasized that the key issue was not the material value of the stolen items, but the very fact of violating trust and abusing one’s position. This is especially relevant for managerial roles, where the highest standards of honesty and compliance with corporate rules are expected. According to the court, even a minor theft by a department manager undermines trust within the team and can have negative consequences for the entire company.
The former employee also referenced a colleague who was not punished for a similar infraction. However, the court ruled that the situations were not comparable, as one involved the accidental removal of a basket, while the other was a deliberate concealment of goods.
Implications for the labor market
This case has become a landmark for the entire retail sector in Spain. Companies are increasingly tightening internal regulations and are not forgiving even minor infractions, especially among staff in managerial positions. Analysis by russpain.com notes a rise in such disputes at large chains, where staff oversight is becoming ever stricter.
In a highly competitive job market, employers demand not only professionalism from their staff, but also an impeccable reputation. Violating corporate standards—even for minor amounts—can lead to immediate dismissal and the loss of any entitlement to compensation for years of service.
Primark is one of the largest clothing retail chains in Europe, known for its strict internal discipline standards. In recent years, the company has repeatedly been involved in high-profile labor disputes related to dismissals on ethical grounds. A similar incident occurred in Madrid in 2022, when an employee was fired for attempting to take goods worth less than 50 euros. At that time, the court also sided with the employer, emphasizing that trust and honesty outweigh material losses. These precedents are shaping a new approach in labor relations and serve as a warning to all retail workers.
