Dismissal of Lewd Nurse Unfair

A nurse who was dismissed after she made a lewd comment whilst restraining a patient has won her

case in an Employment Appeal Tribunal.

In Bowater v NW London Hospitals NHS Trust, the nurse was sitting astride a patient who was having a fit and jokingly said “it’s been a few months since I was in this position”. Despite the fact that only her colleagues heard the comment, she was dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct. The case highlights that it is crucial to take all the circumstances into account prior to a dismissal. In this case, the tribunal took her unblemished record and the fact that no member of the public heard her comments into account.

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Proposal to Increase Unfair Dismissal Qualifying Period to two years

At the moment the Government is actively considering an increase in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from one year to two years.

The timetable for decision is yet to be announced and it is very likely that there will be a consultation period (about this and other employment law issues) first.


If the change in the qualifying period occurs, it will be moderately good news for employers but bad news for employees. In theory this would mean that employers would have an extra year to dismiss an employee unreasonably. But the employer could still face allegations of discrimenation or unfair dismissal claims where no qualifying period is required. This would include things such as whistle blowing and certain health & safety, maternity and trade union related dismissals. With these claims tending to be more expensive to defend than 'ordinary' unfair dismissal claims, it is unclear whether employers will find this proposal an entirely favourable change.