Harrods worker sacked for eating slice of chocolate cake loses £1million discrimination claim

London
London
Tuesday 21 July 2015 at 4:18pm

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A Harrods worker sacked for eating a slice of chocolate cake has lost a £1million claim for discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Juan Mackenzie took a bite of the 'Devil's Dog Cake' after a customer sent it back, complaining it was too dry.

An employment tribunal heard he tasted a slice from a fresh cake to check if it was moist enough.

'Devil's Dog Cake', by Godiva Credit: Omar Choudhry/Instagram

But Harrods said because he ate the cake, rather than just tasted it, his actions amounted to misconduct.

Juan sued the world-famous store claiming he had been discriminated against on the grounds of race, age and sex over four months.

Juan Mackenzie arriving at the employment tribunal Credit: ITV News

Speaking to the tribunal Juan Mackenzie said:

Juan Mackenzie lost his claim for unfair dismissal at a hearing in central London today.

Harrods is pleased that the tribunal has found in our favour, firmly rejecting Mr Mackenzie’s version of events. Mr MacKenzie’s dismissal was the result of two incidents of theft and one of bullying which called into question his professionalism and behaviour. Mr MacKenzie’s claim was based on allegations of race, sex and age discrimination against Harrods, none of which had been raised by him during his disciplinary process and appeal or at any time during his employment at Harrods. These unfounded discrimination claims were made for the first time at this Employment Tribunal and were decisively rejected. Harrods prides itself as a fair employer which provides an inclusive and supportive working environment, which includes a number of different channels through which staff may raise any concerns regarding discrimination.