Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tribunal Backs LNER’s Sacking of Worker Over Bin-Sourced Sausage Rolls

The published judgment finds the dismissal reasonable based on staff complaints alongside CCTV indicating discarded food was reheated then served.

Overview

  • The incident occurred on May 7, 2023 on a service leaving York after two first-class passengers asked for sausage rolls.
  • A colleague raised concerns after hearing laughter and finding the kitchen bin empty, prompting an inquiry that reviewed CCTV.
  • Footage appeared to show Peter Duffy retrieving discarded sausage rolls, plating and reheating them, before a colleague served the items to passengers.
  • LNER suspended both workers, then dismissed Duffy for gross misconduct in July 2023; he later told investigators he had “gone too far for the customer” and believed the food was wrapped in foil.
  • The tribunal rejected his unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, finding the dismissal reasonable and not caused by his disability; LNER reiterated that customer safety is its priority.