I understand your fear, but I think you should tell them. Regarding your colleagues and your fear of (not) finding a job. I understand it, but I think it's a b

I understand your fear, but I think you should tell them. Regarding your colleagues and your fear of (not) finding a job. I understand it, but I think it's a bit short sighted. And if anything, if you do the right thing, these guys can help you find your next job or bring you along with them. If they find out you were hiding this from them, you're burning this bridge and potentially lowering your chances of finding a job. Just some 2 cents guy-from-the-internet advice. I was never in a similar situation, but lost my job a few times (and it was always for the best, in hindsight). The only thing I would potentially worry about though is whether you did something illegal by accessing this document... Or if you can get into trouble with your employer. If the plan is to make you redundant, you don't want to give them an even more appealing option to fire you, do you?