Luke Billings tribunal decision: Nestle worker sacked for ‘vaping in toilet’ wins £22k compensation
The Independent
A former Nestle worker won over £22,000 in compensation after a tribunal found his dismissal for alleged vaping disproportionate.Summary
Luke Billings, a former Nestle employee with an unblemished record since 2012, was awarded over £22,000 by an employment tribunal after being unfairly dismissed in October 2023. Nestle alleged gross misconduct based on suspected vaping in work toilets, which Mr. Billings denied. The tribunal found Nestle had reasonable suspicion but deemed the dismissal unreasonable, particularly because it heavily relied on Mr. Billings’ refusal to apologize. The ruling highlighted the lack of a clear company policy defining vaping in toilets as gross misconduct and insufficient consideration of Mr. Billings’ prior good conduct. A separate claim of disability discrimination was not successful.
(Source：The Independent)
