Despite calling her employer a "jerk," a British secretary has been awarded €34,700 in compensation after being fired after the company failed to follow due process.

A woman in England has received £30,000 (around €34,700) in compensation for unfair dismissal, despite being fired for calling her employer a "jerk," the Daily Mail reports.

“Pack your bags and get out.”

In May 2022, Kerrie Herbert, who worked as an executive secretary at a scaffolding and masonry company in Northampton, came across some documents in her boss's office. They related to the cost of her employment. The employee then felt her position was under threat.

During an interview, her boss raised concerns about her performance. She began to cry. During a tense discussion with her superior, the secretary decided to come clean. She blurted out that the reason she stayed in her job was because of the "two assholes" who run the company: her boss and his wife. According to Kerrie Herbert's account of the interview, the man told her: "Don't call me an asshole, or my wife. That's it, you're fired. Pack your bags and get out."

Lack of procedure

Kerrie Herbert didn't give in and filed for compensation. The Cambridge Employment Tribunal ruled in her favor. The company, for its part, tried to justify the dismissal by citing performance issues. However, the tribunal found that the company had not followed proper disciplinary procedures. While insults could be a valid reason for dismissal, prior warning would have been required.

Although the insult was "inappropriate and regrettable," it did not constitute serious misconduct or a breach of contract, especially since it was an isolated incident with no history of offensive behavior, the judge ruled. The company was ordered to pay £15,042 in damages (€17,400) and £14,087 in legal costs (€16,300).