A London Underground worker who made several protected disclosures about health and safety in London tube stations was unfairly dismissed, an employment tribunal has ruled.
London Central tribunal heard disclosures from the whistleblower, Micky Steeds, a skilled vents worker, regarding failed face-fitting tests (for respirator masks), illegal dumping of hazardous waste, and dangerous working practices that he believed exposed him, his colleagues, and Tube users to asbestos and other toxic materials present in the underground network.
The full judgment has not yet been published. The tribunal found that the evidence presented by London Underground “fell short of demonstrating compliance on all occasions. The failure to dispose of hazardous waste appropriately may give rise to criminal and civil liability.”
After Mr Steeds made his disclosures in 2023, London Underground told him either to return to work, in what he was concerned were dangerous conditions, or be dismissed. The tribunal found that this was an “unfair and unjustifiable ultimatum” and that he was unfairly dismissed.
Chevan Ilangaratne, counsel for Mr Steeds, described the decision to dismiss Mr Steeds as exceptionally hasty and harsh.
He argued that Mr Steeds had raised legitimate, public interest concerns relating to inadequate personal protective equipment, and exposure to potentially hazardous materials onsite, and had been treated badly by London Underground as a result. Ilangaratne said the effect of this...
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