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

Pub
  • 06 August 2026
  • Employment

Employment law changes in 2026: What you need to know

With ongoing changes to UK employment law, staying updated is more challenging than ever. Join Monica Atwal and Harry Berryman for a live webinar covering 2026 HR changes and key employment law updates on Thursday 17 September.

Pub
  • 04 August 2026
  • Employment

From Opportunity to Employment: Building Inclusive Workplaces Together | Hosted by Breakthrough Supported Employment

Join Breakthrough Supported Employment for a live seminar on building inclusive workplaces at Malmaison Reading. Clarkslegal’s Lucy White will speak alongside industry experts, sharing insights on fostering diversity and creating equitable opportunities.

art
  • 29 July 2026
  • Employment

Employment Rights Act 2025: Key takeaways from the Consultation for Zero Hour Reforms

The government published its consultation on reform of zero hour, low hour and agency worker contracts on 2nd June 2026. The consultation closes on 25 August 2026 and so there is still time to get responses in to help shape the operation of the new provisions in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (the “Act”).

art
  • 15 July 2026
  • Employment

New guidance on interim relief: More applications, same high threshold

In certain limited unfair dismissal claims (such as those for automatic unfair dismissal relating to a protected disclosure) claimants can apply for interim relief. This is an emergency measure which essentially prevents a dismissal from taking effect until the claim has been heard.

art
  • 07 July 2026
  • Employment

6 month unfair dismissal rights: What employers need to know

Under the new Employment Rights Act 2025 the minimum period of service required to qualify to bring a statutory claim for unfair dismissal has been reduced from 2 full years to 6 months from 1 January 2027 onwards.  

art
  • 24 June 2026
  • Employment

What are employer’s obligations during a heatwave?

During the summer, employers can come across employee issues relating to the heat and hot weather. How can employers handle hot weather and what are employer obligations during a heatwave?