The Post Office v Roberts

The Post Office v Roberts [1980] IRLR 347 is a UK labour law case, concerning mutual trust and confidence.

The Post Office v Roberts
CourtHigh Court
Citation[1980] IRLR 347
Keywords
Trust and confidence

Facts

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Ms Roberts claimed that her employer breached a duty of mutual trust and confidence. A Post Office supervisor, Mr O’Keefe, wrote on Ms Roberts’ personal records, without any basis, that she was irresponsible, lacked industry and comprehension skills, and this hindered her application for an office transfer.

Judgment

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Talbot J held that the Post Office breached mutual trust and confidence by recording unfounded criticism of its employee. He said ‘We do not think it helpful’ to ask if the ‘behaviour was deliberate or malicious’. It was only relevant that mutual trust and confidence is breached.

See also

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Notes

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References

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  • E McGaughey, A Casebook on Labour Law (2019) 223