theguardian.com
Northern Swearing in the Workplace
An employment tribunal case highlights regional differences in workplace behavior and challenges in maintaining professional conduct.
English
United Kingdom
Labour MarketUkLawEmploymentWorkplace CultureFairnessRegional Norms
Booker
Judge ShergillRobert Ogden
- What will happen next in the case?
- Ogden's compensation will be determined later. The case raises questions about regional stereotypes and the challenges of maintaining appropriate workplace conduct in environments with varying cultural norms and levels of enforcement.
- What was the judge's ruling on the dismissal?
- The judge found that Ogden was unfairly dismissed due to a 'toxic' and 'lawless' workplace culture, where managers failed to enforce workplace norms and even participated in the problematic behavior. The dismissal was deemed 'harsh'.
- What prompted the judge's comment on swearing in the workplace?
- A judge in an employment tribunal suggested that swearing is common in the workplace, particularly in the north of England. This comment was made during a ruling on a case involving a driver who was unfairly dismissed for verbally abusing a colleague.
- What were the circumstances surrounding Robert Ogden's dismissal?
- Robert Ogden, a driver/trainer, was dismissed from Booker for calling a female colleague an offensive term. He argued it was a common northern expression, not targeting a protected characteristic, while she reported feeling humiliated and anxious.
- What did the judge say about swearing in the workplace and regional differences?
- The judge acknowledged that swearing is unacceptable in the workplace but noted its prevalence, especially in the north of England, using the 'F-word' as an example. The case highlights a contrast between workplace expectations and regional norms.