Home / Crime and Justice / Firefighter Wins £40K After Journal Snooping Scandal
Firefighter Wins £40K After Journal Snooping Scandal
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Firefighter awarded over £40k for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.
- Colleague snooped through her private journal, leading to her resignation.
- Tribunal found council exacerbated harassment and dismissed her appeals.
A female firefighter has secured over £40,000 in compensation after an employment tribunal found her to be unfairly dismissed and discriminated against. The case stemmed from a senior colleague, who was also her mentor, snooping through her private journal. This incident, alongside subsequent actions by the fire service, led to her experiencing anxiety and depression.
The tribunal determined that Gloucestershire County Council's handling of the grievance and disciplinary proceedings exacerbated the initial harassment. Despite medical advice suggesting a return to active duty could worsen her mental health, she was pressured to return, ultimately leading to her resignation after appeals were dismissed.
Ms. Rice won claims for constructive unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination, and failure to make reasonable adjustments. The tribunal cited the requirement for her to attend operational duties and the subsequent disciplinary actions as key factors in her mistreatment, which prolonged her suffering.
