Pharmacy Technician Suspended for Tax Credit Fraud Conviction
Date of Decision: November 4, 2019
Registrant's Role: Pharmacy technician
Allegations:
- Conviction for being knowingly concerned in a fraudulent activity by failing to declare cohabitation for the purpose of obtaining tax credits, contrary to section 35 of the Tax Credits Act 2002.
Outcome: Six-month suspension
GPhC Standards Breached:
- 6.1 Act with honesty and integrity to maintain public trust and confidence in your profession
- 6.5 Meet accepted standards of personal and professional conduct.
Case Summary
Allegations
The registrant, a pharmacy technician, was convicted at a Magistrates’ Court for engaging in a prolonged act of dishonesty by failing to declare that she was cohabiting with a partner. This omission enabled her to receive tax credits fraudulently. Specifically, she was convicted of being “knowingly concerned in a fraudulent activity” contrary to section 35 of the Tax Credits Act 2002. The fraud spanned a period of nearly twenty months.
The registrant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a Community Order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, a fine, a surcharge to fund victim services, and legal costs. A criminal case summary from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) was among the evidence reviewed by the Fitness to Practise Committee.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacy technician
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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The original determination transcript is available to registered users.
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- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved