A support worker who overcharged a vulnerable person for items bought off Amazon has been struck off for their “dishonest” behaviour.

Thomas Boyle charged between £110 and £120 for a £31.99 LED floor lamp. He also took between £110 and £120 for a second floor lamp costing £29.99.

In another incident, Boyle charged £50 for a £18.95 folding wooden TV table.

The purchases occurred during 2020 and 2021 while Boyle was employed as a home support worker in Greenock by Inverclyde Council.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found Boyle’s fitness to practice impaired and criticised his behaviour.

In a written ruling, Scotland’s care watchdog said: “Over an 18-month period, you ordered various items for [the service user] from Amazon in exchange for money.

“In some instances, you accepted payment in excess of the market value of the item.

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“You used [the service user’s] vulnerability and lack of awareness about online transactions for your own gain.

“Your actions were in breach of professional boundaries and in some instances dishonest, causing financial and emotional harm to [the service user].

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Boyle was also accused of breaching professional boundaries by attending the service user’s home when not on shift while one of his relatives carried out painting work.

While carrying out a support shift with another service user, Boyle was said to have demonstrated a “disregard” for their welfare by spending time in the kitchen instead of sitting with them and prompting them to eat their evening meal.

In conclusion, the SSSC said a removal order was the “most appropriate sanction” to maintain the “continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession”.

The removal order – banning Boyle from working in Scotland’s care industry – came into effect on Saturday.

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