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Former governor of the Tower of London loses unfair dismissal claim
17 August 2011
The former governor of the Tower of London who had, whilst in employment, made derogatory comments about Beefeaters and the Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), who manage the Tower of London, has lost his claim for unfair dismissal.
The disparaging remarks were made after the HRP made an apology and payout to Yeoman warder Mark Sanders-Crook, who was sacked for allegedly bullying the first female Beefeater, Moira Cameron. The former governor claimed that he had been unfairly dismissed for saying that HRP had "prostituted itself" for making the payout and that Beefeaters were the "lowest of the low" and "thick". He claimed that: he had been defending the first female Beefeater from the alleged bullying when making the remarks; and that he had been dismissed unfairly as a consequence of not fully co-operating with HRP over the apology and settlement.
However, the Employment Tribunal in London held that the former governor’s dismissal was fair, as he had made "inappropriate, offensive and damaging remarks". After the hearing a spokesman for the HRP made a statement stipulating that they do not "tolerate bullying or harassment on any level of any members of staff."
If you would like advice on issuing or defending an unfair dismissal claim at the Employment Tribunal please contact the Employment Team at Howell-Jones Solicitors.
Ellen Crabtree, Solicitor in our Employment Team
