I gave customer big discount by mistake and have been suspended

DEAR DEIDRE: HAVE I committed gross misconduct?

I’m the manager of a shop and during the Christmas rush, I mistakenly gave a customer a 25 per cent staff discount instead of the five per cent loyalty saving.

When I noticed my error, I immediately told my boss.

I expected a mild telling off, but they suspended me pending an investigation.

I knew the customer, so it looks like I’ve been giving hand-outs to my friends.

I’m scared that I will never get another retail job.