Dismissal for derogatory Tweets about employer and colleagues was fair

An ET finds that the dismissal of an employee with over 28 years’ service was fair for making derogatory comments in Twitter postings over a three-year period about his employer and his colleagues.
social media

In Creighton v Together Housing Association Ltd, Creighton (C) had 28 years’ service. The employer was made aware of some derogatory comments C had made on Twitter about the Association and his colleagues. These included a posting to two colleagues to “Just carry on and pick up your wage, this place is f****d. It’s full of absolute bell ends who ant got any balls“. He also referred to the Association wasting money, that it could not manage as a business and he posted details of a client’s and tenant’s address. C apologised, but said he thought his Tweets were private. He was dismissed for gross misconduct and an ET found the dismissal fair. C had not offered any satisfactory explanation. He had admitted to posting derogatory comments about his employer and his colleagues as well as including the private addresses of a customer and a tenant on an open Twitter account which was visible to everyone. Given all the circumstances of the case, dismissal was in the band of reasonable responses.


This update provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Click on the links to access full details. If no link is provided, contact us for more information.  Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, SM&B cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.

 

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