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Unfair dismissal of NHS worker who pleaded guilty to minor offences

This case is a reminder that misconduct outside work — including criminal convictions — still requires a fair process and a proportionate response, particularly where there is no direct impact on the role.

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In Toward v Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the tribunal found that the employer had unfairly dismissed a worker by relying on minor criminal convictions as sufficient grounds for dismissal, without considering whether dismissal was a proportionate response.

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