Calling your boss a dickhead is not a sackable offence, UK tribunal rules
6 days ago
- #unfair dismissal
- #workplace conduct
- #employment law
- Calling a boss a 'dickhead' is not necessarily a sackable offense, as ruled by a tribunal.
- Kerrie Herbert was awarded nearly £30,000 for unfair dismissal after being fired for calling her manager and a director 'dickheads'.
- The tribunal found the company acted unreasonably by dismissing her without prior warning for a one-off comment made during a heated meeting.
- Herbert's contract allowed dismissal for 'provocative use of insulting or abusive language' but required a prior warning unless it was gross misconduct.
- The judge ruled the use of 'dickheads' did not constitute gross misconduct, and the company failed to follow proper disciplinary procedures.
- Herbert was awarded £15,042.81 in compensation and £14,087 for legal fees.