Keys and confidential paperwork not returned by ex-employee

Q: I recently had an employee resign. I requested by email that he should return all keys and other confidential paperwork back to the preschool. I have also sent messages through a social media website requesting the same thing. I received a text message in response stating that he wanted his certificate back. This ex-employee still has school property and paperwork and I am not sure of what I can do.

A: You must send a letter to your employee stating that you require all property and confidential paperwork should be returned to the school. Tell him if this does not happen then you will look to replace any locks and will look to recover the cost from him. You could also look to get an injunction with regards to the confidential paperwork. Allow 7 days for a response instead of the usual 14 days as the confidential information could potentially be misused and the former employee still has access to the school.