Bookie Who Swore Loses Sacking Appeal

A betting shop manager sacked after swearing at his boss has lost his unfair sacking appeal.

Michael Gordon claimed he was provoked when district manager Sarah Haigh spoke to him in a "baby voice'' on the phone. He also claimed everyone swore.

But an Edinburgh tribunal ruled there was a difference between everyone swearing and telling your boss in an angry telephone conversation she is "f****** useless''.

The tribunal heard Mr Gordon, manager of William Hill's in Balgreen Road, had problems with an employee.

He had raised the situation with Ms Haigh but felt she was dismissive.

Mr Gordon, of 58 Clermiston Grove, then spoke to her on the phone, but the conversation became heated - and ended when he swore at her.

Area manager Rose Cowe concluded that in view of his lack of remorse he was sacked for gross misconduct.

The tribunal ruled Mr Gordon's dismissal was not unfair.