Tax boss wins unfair dismissal after staff complaints over management

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

An HMRC manager sacked after monitoring an employee's break-time visits to Greggs has won an unfair dismissal claim at an employment tribunal.

Ka Wong, a customer service manager at HMRC, has won an unfair dismissal claim at an employment tribunal in Manchester. He was sacked after his management approach alienated his team and sparked complaints against him.

Wong took charge of a new team of customer service advisers in April 2023, having previously managed other teams for almost two years without attracting complaints. His new team had been accustomed to a more relaxed manager and found Wong's 'no-nonsense' approach excessive. He closely monitored staff, including tracking one employee's breaks to Greggs bakery. Within three months, six disgruntled employees lodged a formal grievance against him, accusing him of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.

Following an investigation, HMRC initially concluded that Wong's behaviour warranted only a final written warning. However, the decision was changed at the last minute to dismiss him for gross misconduct without adequate explanation. An employment judge condemned the investigation as being of 'poor quality' and found that HMRC had effectively predetermined his dismissal, making his sacking unfair.

How it is being reported

• HMRC boss fired after tracking employee on Greggs break wins unfair dismissal caseGoing to Greggs was an activity ‘outside the intended purpose’ of a work break, Ka Wong claimedThe Independent · 22 Oct, 12:47
• Overzealous tax boss sacked after spying on employee 'abusing' her breaks to go to Greggs wins unfair dismissal claimKa Wong was accused of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment after his 'no-nonsense' management style sparked a revolt among staff.Daily Mail · 22 Oct, 12:40

In this story: Ka Wong · HMRC · Greggs · Manchester

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