Claimant v Implantsdentist Ltd t/a Great Junction Dental Practice

Outcome

Facts

The claimant was a receptionist/senior dental nurse with 16 years' service when the dental practice changed ownership. After the acquisition, her reception role was taken over by a new employee, Mrs Iqbal, without consultation. The claimant was left without a clear role, reduced to cleaning and decontamination duties. She faced hostile treatment from Mrs Iqbal including rudeness, being ignored, and refusal to cooperate. Despite raising complaints twice with the new owner, nothing was done. She was then underpaid salary and told it was because she did 'less work'. She resigned the next day.

Decision

The tribunal found the claimant was constructively unfairly dismissed. The removal of her role and status, the hostile working environment created by colleagues which the employer failed to address despite complaints, and the salary underpayment cumulatively amounted to a repudiatory breach of the implied term of trust and confidence. The tribunal awarded £15,120 basic award and £10,134 compensatory award, rejecting arguments for Polkey or contributory fault reductions.

Practical note

Award breakdown

Award equivalent: 40.1 weeks' gross pay

Legal authorities cited