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NHS Surgeon's £250k Abu Dhabi Deal Leads to Legal Win
22 Jul
Summary
- Surgeon won unfair dismissal case against NHS.
- He accepted a lucrative £250,000 a year post in Abu Dhabi.
- The move was initially sought as a two-year sabbatical.

A plastic surgeon has won an unfair dismissal claim against the NHS, following his decision to take a high-paying role abroad. Dr. Augustine Akali had previously held a position at a Yorkshire hospital.
He sought a sabbatical to accept a two-year contract in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This overseas position offered a substantial salary of £250,000 per year and was tax-free.
The surgeon's departure from his NHS duties was framed as a sabbatical application. His subsequent legal challenge resulted in a win for unfair dismissal against the NHS. The case highlights the complexities of employment disputes when professionals pursue international career opportunities.