A UK sales director has triumphed in a landmark employment tribunal after being sacked for working remotely from an Egyptian villa without his company's knowledge.
Michael, a senior sales manager for a design service firm, was awarded a staggering £61,345 after a judge ruled his dismissal was 'procedurally and substantively unfair'. The case highlights the growing tension between modern flexible work practices and traditional company policies.
The Secret Sun Desk
The extraordinary situation began when the company's managing director grew suspicious after noticing his employee's background during a Microsoft Teams call. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Michael had not only left the country but was operating his UK role from a sun-drenched villa in Egypt for several weeks.
Company leadership confronted Michael, who initially claimed he was at a medical appointment. When pressed, he admitted to being abroad but argued his performance remained high and his work was unaffected.
A Costly Dismissal
Despite his arguments, the company terminated his employment for gross misconduct, citing a breach of trust and his failure to request permission to work overseas. They argued that data security, tax implications, and insurance complications made his actions a serious breach of contract.
However, the employment tribunal found the company's process severely lacking. The judge noted there was no specific policy regarding working from abroad, and the investigation was deemed 'inadequate'. Crucially, the company failed to consider a lesser sanction than outright dismissal.
A New Precedent for Remote Work?
This case sends a clear message to UK employers: clear policies on remote and hybrid working are now essential. With the rise of flexible work arrangements post-pandemic, businesses must explicitly outline rules concerning working from outside the country to avoid similar costly tribunals.
The substantial payout covers Michael's lost earnings and includes compensation for the manner of his dismissal, serving as a stark warning to companies that fail to follow proper disciplinary procedures, even in cases of apparent misconduct.
