Search

How can we help?

Icon

Melanie Pimenta comments on ‘employers cannot cut corners with disciplinaries’

Receptionist fired due to suspected testifying against his employer in sexual harassment case was unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules.

Melanie Pimenta, senior solicitor for Clarkslegal said the case clearly demonstrates that  employers cannot cut corners with disciplinaries.

“Employers cannot get away with not following the proper investigative and disciplinary procedures by dismissing without providing a fair reason and suspending without pay,” said Pimenta, who added that employers should also not suspend or dismiss on an “assumption that their employees may give evidence in a claim against them, as they risk a victimisation claim being raised against them”.

Read the full article: People Management 

If you have any questions in relation to discrimination, please contact our employment lawyers for advice.

Judge made ‘no hesitation’ in ruling the dismissal was unfair and would also be classed as victimisation under the Equality Act 2010.

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 17 February 2026
  • Employment

The Employment Rights Act – A shift in power: why employers will face greater pressure from industrial action and union relations in 2026

Substantial union-related changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will take effect on 18 February 2026, ushering in significant shifts in the legal landscape for industrial action in the UK.

art
  • 13 February 2026
  • Employment

Businesses Prepare for Stronger Trade Union Rights: Monica Atwal Comments

The new trade union rights introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 18 February 2026. These changes are expected to make strikes easier to organise and will extend protections for striking workers. Monica Atwal comments on the implications of these reforms in People Management magazine.

art
  • 12 February 2026
  • Employment

Clarkslegal Partners with Albion Legal to Offer Comprehensive Employment Law Protection Scheme

Employment law is becoming increasingly complex for UK employers. Legislative change, evolving case law and an expanding scope of employee rights mean that the risk of employment disputes and the cost of defending them has never been higher.

art
  • 29 January 2026
  • Employment

Why AI Generated Grievances Are Becoming a New HR Challenge

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming a routine part of working life across the UK.

art
  • 29 January 2026
  • Employment

Vexatious claims – what to do and how to stop them

It is not unheard of for employees (or former employees) to try their luck when it comes to pursuing employment tribunal claims in the hope they may be able to receive a financial award.

art
  • 18 December 2025
  • Employment

Employment Law: Looking back at 2025 and what to expect in 2026

2025 has certainly been an interesting year for employment law. While the Employment Rights Bill has pulled much of the focus since it was introduced in October 2024, there have been other important updates this year as well.