Unfair Dismissal Claim Wins for Nurse Turned Influencer

Background

A nurse who was suspended from her NHS position and subsequently dismissed has won an unfair dismissal claim against her employer. The nurse had taken to social media to share her experiences as a nurse during the pandemic. She was suspended after posting a video in which she criticized the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) available to healthcare workers. The nurse claimed that she was unfairly dismissed because she was exercising her right to freedom of speech.

The Tribunal's Findings

The tribunal found that the nurse had been unfairly dismissed. It ruled that the nurse's social media posts were protected by her right to freedom of speech and that her employer had failed to show that the dismissal was justified.

Implications for Employers

The case has important implications for employers. It shows that employers cannot dismiss employees for exercising their right to freedom of speech. Employers must be able to show that any dismissal is justified and that the employee's conduct was not protected by their right to freedom of speech.

Implications for Healthcare Workers

The case also has important implications for healthcare workers. It shows that healthcare workers have the right to speak out about their working conditions and that they cannot be penalized for doing so. This is particularly important in the context of the pandemic, when healthcare workers have been under immense pressure.

Conclusion

The case is a victory for freedom of speech and for healthcare workers. It shows that employers cannot dismiss employees for exercising their right to speak out about their working conditions.