Employment Tribunal Rules Mug Incident Reaction 'Out of Proportion' in Currys Case
An employment tribunal has dismissed a race discrimination claim by a former Currys employee, Adeel Habib, who alleged he was 'cold-shouldered' by colleagues after a dispute over a missing office mug. The tribunal found that Habib's reaction to the incident was likely perceived by his colleagues as 'out of proportion', leading to resentment rather than racial discrimination.
Habib, who worked as a credit support associate at Currys' Poole office for under four months in early 2023, claimed the loss of his mug and the subsequent treatment by his colleagues amounted to racial discrimination. However, Judge David Hughes ruled that the resentment towards Habib was more likely due to his confrontational approach to the mug's disappearance, rather than any racial bias.
The tribunal heard that mugs left in the office kitchen were generally considered communal property, a point clarified by data and operations manager Ms Andrews. Despite this, Habib's insistence on implying theft by his colleagues over the missing mug was deemed to have exacerbated workplace tensions. The judge noted Habib's difficulty in navigating social interactions at work, which may have contributed to the misunderstanding.
In addition to the mug incident, Habib's claim included allegations of racial discrimination over denied holiday leave to attend weddings in Pakistan. This too was dismissed, with the tribunal finding no evidence of racial bias in the decision. While Habib was awarded £1,210 for breach of contract related to notice pay, his broader claims, including those of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal, were unsuccessful. The case highlights the complexities of workplace dynamics and the importance of clear communication and social understanding in preventing disputes.
