Teacher Fired from Wetherby Prep School Wins Appeal After Dismissal

Jason Smith, a teacher at Wetherby Prep School for Boys, was dismissed after falling asleep at his desk, a decision that he claimed caused significant emotional distress. He sued the school for unfair dismissal, arguing that he was not given a fair chance to respond to the investigation that led to his termination. The employment tribunal found in his favor, awarding him £168,441.30, stating that he was dismissed without being heard and that his sleep issues were linked to anxiety and medication. The tribunal highlighted that Smith had been passionate about his students' well-being and had received positive feedback regarding his teaching methods. Despite his struggles with mental health, including anxiety and depression, he had expressed a desire to return to work after a period of absence. However, he felt marginalized by the school's management, which contributed to his emotional distress. The judge noted that Smith had not been provided with a timetable or a designated workspace upon his return, which exacerbated his feelings of exclusion. His mood fluctuated during this time, and he reported feeling upset about how he was treated by the management team. The situation escalated when he was reported to have fallen asleep in class, leading to his dismissal. Ultimately, the tribunal's ruling emphasized the importance of fair treatment in the workplace, particularly for employees dealing with mental health issues. Smith plans to recover in Australia but hopes to return to the UK to continue his career in education.