Tribunal rules woman was fairly dismissed from Dundee HMRC centre

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs were correct to dismiss an employee who had more than 200 days’ absence in two years from their Dundee contact centre.

It was the second case of its kind in two weeks concerning Sidlaw House which has one of the highest absence rates among UK tax offices.

Kirsten Healy, from Ladybank, alleged she was the victim of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.

She had more than 207 days of absence over 2012 and 2013 and her contract was terminated last summer because she was unable to maintain a satisfactory standard of attendance.

An employment tribunal heard she had a number of health issues which caused her to be off for long spells.

In June last year, after going through the department’s absence management procedure, she was told she was being recommended for dismissal.

The tribunal said it was clear there was no real prospect of any improvement in Ms Healy’s attendance.