An overworked veterinary surgeon has been awarded over £12,000 after being forced to work through her lunch breaks. Michelle Beckett, who worked for corporate veterinary group CVS from September 2020, began to suffer from burnout due to long hours and busy days without breaks, an employment tribunal heard.
Background of the Case
Miss Beckett worked as a veterinary surgeon at Pet Doctors in Chichester, primarily at its Felpham surgery in West Sussex. The tribunal heard that from the start of her employment, she worked long hours and had busy days without lunch breaks, often undertaking unpaid overtime when necessary.
In October 2023, she reported witnessing 'below standard animal care' and a 'toxic environment' caused by differences between receptionists and professional staff. She felt her concerns were not taken seriously, and her mental health deteriorated.
Health Issues and Return to Work
In January 2024, Miss Beckett was signed off work with 'burnout/work-related stress' by her doctor. Before returning in March 2024, she wrote to her line manager stating that the problems at the surgery had led to mental health issues. An occupational health report noted that her health could contribute to mood fluctuations and occasional uncivil behaviour towards colleagues, suggesting support measures. However, upon returning on a phased basis, she felt she was still under stress and unable to take lunch breaks due to pressure.
In April, the practice director Lucy Millett contacted Miss Beckett before work to ask for help with her own dog. Miss Beckett continued answering questions until 8pm that day, working over 10 hours without a lunch break during her phased return.
Disciplinary Action and Resignation
The following month, Miss Beckett was invited to a meeting that was actually an informal disciplinary meeting. Ms Millett made complaints about Miss Beckett's behaviour, including dealing with her concerns and the stress of her dog's illness. Ms Millett also alleged that Miss Beckett spoke to colleagues in an 'uncivil way', which left Miss Beckett distressed. At the tribunal, Ms Millett admitted she had not read the occupational health report explaining how Miss Beckett's health might affect her interactions.
In July 2024, Miss Beckett resigned, stating that the disciplinary action breached the company's duty of care. CVS tried to get her to retract her resignation, but she did not, and her subsequent complaint was dismissed.
Tribunal Decision
The employment tribunal panel found that CVS breached its own procedures in pursuing disciplinary action against Miss Beckett. The panel stated: 'I find that given this fundamental breach, CVS continued in its unreasonable conduct by breaching the implied term of trust and confidence by proceeding with the informal disciplinary meeting on 21 May 2024, causing Miss Beckett extreme distress and upset, especially given that CVS was aware of her recent work-related sickness absence.'
Her former employer admitted during the hearing that her claim for unlawful deductions from wages had been proved. Miss Beckett has since worked as a self-employed locum veterinary surgeon. She was awarded £12,758 in compensation.
