Prohibited Personnel Practices - Using Deceit or Knowingly Obstructing an Individual from Competing for Employment
Prohibited personnel practices are workplace activities that are proscribed by the federal government because they are in contradiction to the merit-based system. These activities might come in the form of retaliation, discrimination, improper hiring practices, and/or the failure to adhere to certain rules and regulations.
One such prohibited personnel practice relates to willfully or knowingly obstructing an individual or several individuals from competing for a particular position. Competition is generally considered to be an ordinary part of most people’s work lives, and oftentimes, employers will create workplace dynamics that encourage employees to compete with each other for promotions, bonuses, and recognition. However, federal agency officials or government employees who have the authority to make personnel decisions cannot willfully destruct or deceive any individual regarding their right to compete for employment. Similarly, an official cannot improperly influence an individual so that they withdraw their application from competition for an employment position, particularly if that official’s intent is to improve or injure the prospects of other individuals applying for the position. The Merit Systems Protection Board defines deceit as an action that leads an individual astray by underhandedness and whether or not the deceit is intentional or willful must be established by the facts and circumstances of the particular case.
If you believe that you or someone you know has missed out on an employment opportunity or promotion based on an employer’s or government official’s intentional and deceitful actions, it is imperative that you consider consulting with an experienced Federal Employment Law Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. The Vaughn Law Firm is staffed with dedicated and skilled attorneys who have extensive experience handling these types of cases. Call the Vaughn Law Firm today at (877) 615-9495 and schedule your free consultation.
