Mr M Hill v Rolls-Royce plc — 2019

The claimant was dismissed after the respondent concluded that he had used a company credit card for personal expenditure and had submitted an expenses claim supported by a taxi receipt for more than he had paid. The Tribunal found that the respondent had shown a potentially fair reason for dismissal, namely conduct.

The Tribunal found that the respondent conducted a reasonable investigation, including meetings with the claimant, enquiries with relevant employees, and contact with Inverclyde Taxis about the receipt. It considered the claimant's criticisms of the process, including the investigation appointment, the initial meeting letter, disputed meeting notes, and HR involvement, but did not find that these made the investigation or procedure unreasonable.

The Tribunal accepted that the respondent had a genuine and reasonable belief that the claimant had committed the misconduct and had acted deliberately. It found that dismissal was within the band of reasonable responses, particularly because the respondent was entitled to treat the expenses claim issue as affecting trust and confidence. The unfair dismissal complaint was dismissed.