Veterinary Surgeon Wins Over £12,000 After Tribunal Finds Unfair Dismissal

An employment tribunal awarded Michelle Beckett £12,758 after ruling that her former employer, CVS, breached its duty of care by pursuing disciplinary action against her. The panel found that the company had failed to follow its own procedures during her phased return to work.

Michelle Beckett worked as a veterinary surgeon for CVS at Pet Doctors in Chichester and Felpham, West Sussex, from September 2020. She worked long hours and took unpaid overtime when needed, citing below-standard animal care at the practice.

October 2023, Beckett reported concerns about animal care standards and a toxic environment between receptionists and professional staff. Her mental health deteriorated, and she was signed off work with burnout and work-related stress in January 2024.

An occupational health report completed before her March 2024 return noted that her history of work-related stress could affect her interactions with colleagues. The report recommended support measures, but Beckett said she was still required to work through lunch breaks during her phased return.

April 2024, practice director Lucy Millett asked Beckett to treat her dog outside normal hours, extending her workday to over 10 hours without a lunch break. The following month, Millett held what Beckett believed was a line-manager introduction meeting, but it was an informal disciplinary meeting.

Millett admitted at the tribunal that she had not read the occupational health report. The tribunal panel ruled that CVS breached its own procedures and the implied term of trust and confidence by proceeding with the May 21, 2024 disciplinary meeting.

Beckett resigned in July 2024, stating that the disciplinary action breached the company's duty of care. She has worked as a self-employed locum veterinary surgeon since leaving CVS.