Nestle ordered to pay £22k to Derbyshire worker accused of vaping in toilets
A Derbyshire worker was awarded £22,000 after being unfairly dismissed by Nestle following accusations of vaping in a disabled toilet.Summary
Luke Billings, a technical operator at a Nestle factory in Derbyshire, was awarded £22,000 in compensation after a tribunal found his dismissal to be unfair. He was fired for gross misconduct after a fire alarm was triggered and CCTV appeared to show him vaping in a disabled toilet, which he denied. While Nestle had a reasonable belief in his misconduct, the tribunal determined the dismissal was disproportionate, particularly as the disciplinary officer indicated he wouldn't have been fired if he had apologized. The case was compared to another employee, Mr. Marler, who received a final written warning for a health and safety breach, highlighting less favorable treatment towards Billings. The award includes compensation for loss of earnings and pension, though it was reduced due to contributory conduct. Nestle declined to comment on the individual case.
(Source：Derby Telegraph)
