Workplace Report March 2000

Features: Law at work

Victimisation

It is unlawful for employers to victimise on grounds of union membership or activity. However, an employer's investigation of the mileage claims of union activists involved in a campaign against the employer's plans to withdraw mileage allowances, did not amount to victimisation on union grounds, according to the EAT. In the case of Marshall v Hampshire Probation Service the EAT held that while the employer's actions might have deterred some activists from taking part in the campaign, the employer's sole purpose in checking up was to be able to correct any mis-information coming from the union-led campaign.