Gymnastics Coach Awarded over £56,000 After Unfair Dismissal for Requesting Contract and Payslips

E Bolotina v Friendship Society Ltd: 2300838/2020

A recent tribunal ruling underscores the importance of understanding your rights in the workplace, especially regarding contracts and payslips.

The Facts

Elena Bolotina, a Belarusian gymnastics coach, was unfairly dismissed by Friendship Society after requesting a written contract and payslips. Bolotina, who began working full-time in December 2018 noticed discrepancies in her pay and start date compared to her contract and requested corrections. Despite her efforts to resolve these issues, including multiple requests for documentation, her employment was terminated on 1 December 2019.

The tribunal found that Bolotina’s dismissal was not due to misconduct (as claimed by the employer) but was a retaliation for asserting her statutory rights. Bolotina was awarded £56,202 for unfair dismissal. The tribunal ruled that the principal reason for her dismissal was her insistence on receiving proper documentation regarding her employment terms and pay.

Judgment

The tribunal held that she was unfairly dismissed after requesting written terms of employment and payslips, which she was entitled to by law. Despite claims of misconduct, the tribunal found that the dismissal was primarily due to her assertion of statutory rights.

Commentary

In this case, the tribunal ruled in favour of the claimant, awarding her compensation for unfair dismissal. It's a reminder for both employees and employers to understand and respect statutory rights in the workplace.

If you are facing a similar situation, it's crucial to know that asserting your rights is protected by law. Employers must provide written contracts and payslips, and dismissing an employee for asserting these rights can lead to legal consequences.

Call a specialist employment lawyer  

Magara law is an employment law firm in Bicester, Banbury, Reading and Paddington, London, and services clients nationwide. For more information or to our employment law team at Magara Law, call 01869 325 883 or email roy@magaralaw.co.uk.