In Bell v Cordant People Limited, Bell (B) is Irish and from a traveller background. B disclosed information to his line manager, Barnes, that a company purchased by Cordant had falsified invoices thereby declaring a falsely elevated profit. These concerns were not raised within the business or investigated, and Barnes reacted angrily when B raised the matter again. B was dismissed for underperformance in his part of the business, but the ET inferred from all the evidence that Barnes dismissed B unfairly for making protected disclosures and B was awarded £283,472 compensation. During B’s employment, Barnes: said that B dressed like a “Gypo”; stated that B looked like a tinker; asked B “where did you leave your horse and cart”; and, called B a “Pikey”. The ET found that Barnes’ conduct amounted to harassment related to race and awarded B £8,353 for injury to feelings.
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 judgements 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.
This 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. 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, we 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.