Unfair Dismissal

Is 'loss of £3,000' the same as 'theft of £3,000'? No, says the Employment Appeal Tribunal in Celebi v Compass.

An employee was believed to have stolen £3,000. The allegation put to her, though, was 'loss of £3,000'. Despite this euphemism, she knew she was actually being accused of theft. A disciplinary hearing found her guilty of 'loss' and she was dismissed.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal held that the lack of precision in the charge meant the dismissal was unfair under 'ordinary' unfair dismissal principles. It was also unfair under the (now repealed) statutory dismissal procedures, as the Step 1 letter did not accurately set out the charge.

The case has been remitted to the tribunal for consideration of an award, in particular whether there should be any reductions for contributory fault and on Polkey grounds.