Bus driver unfairly dismissed but award slashed by 75% for own conduct
A bus driver was unfairly dismissed by Stagecoach Manchester, but the tribunal reduced his compensation by 75% because his own conduct contributed to the dismissal. He received a total of £4,306.62 including damages for wrongful dismissal.
1 min read · Last updated 18 May 2026
Case details
Key facts
- The claimant was employed as a bus driver by the respondent.
- The claimant was dismissed for conduct reasons.
- The tribunal found the dismissal was unfair.
- The claimant's conduct contributed to the dismissal by 75%.
- The claimant was awarded a basic award of £1,097.25 and a compensatory award of £50.
- The claimant also succeeded in a wrongful dismissal claim, receiving £3,159.37.
Timeline
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Hearing
The substantive hearing took place via remote video platform.
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Judgment sent
The judgment was sent to the parties.
The legal issue
The tribunal had to decide whether the bus driver was unfairly dismissed for conduct and whether he was entitled to damages for wrongful dismissal (breach of contract).
The outcome
The tribunal ruled that the bus driver was unfairly dismissed by Stagecoach Manchester. However, because his own conduct contributed to the dismissal, the compensation was reduced by 75%.
- Basic award: £1,097.25 (reduced from £4,389)
- Compensatory award: £50 (for loss of statutory rights)
- Wrongful dismissal damages: £3,159.37 (6 weeks and 4 days' notice pay plus pension loss)
- Total award: £4,306.62
Lessons & takeaways
- If you are dismissed for conduct, your own behaviour can significantly reduce any compensation you receive, even if the dismissal is found to be unfair.
- A successful wrongful dismissal claim can provide notice pay even when an unfair dismissal award is heavily reduced.
- Representing yourself is possible, but having legal representation may help present your case more effectively.
- Keep records of all communications and events leading to dismissal, as they can be crucial in proving unfairness.
What this case shows
A bus driver employed by Stagecoach Manchester was dismissed for conduct reasons. The tribunal found the dismissal was procedurally unfair, but the driver's own actions contributed significantly to the situation. As a result, the compensation was reduced by 75%.
What the employer could have done differently
Stagecoach Manchester could have followed a fairer disciplinary process, ensuring all evidence was properly considered. A fair process might have avoided the finding of unfair dismissal, even if the outcome remained the same.
Why this matters
This case highlights that even when a dismissal is unfair, the employee's conduct can drastically reduce the compensation. It also shows the value of pursuing a wrongful dismissal claim for notice pay, which is not subject to the same reduction. The total award of £4,306.62 reflects both the unfair dismissal and the breach of contract.
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