HR horror stories: scary situations from the workplace crypt
Halloween might be the season for ghosts and goblins, but for HR professionals, the real chills come from the office. Forget haunted houses, HR departments have seen their fair share of HR horror stories, from discriminatory disasters to onboarding gone wrong. And unlike ghost stories, these ones are real… some even ended up in tribunal.
So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, dim the lights and settle in for a tour of the scariest HR situations ever to haunt the UK workplace.
The ‘old fossil’ that cost £3.2 million
Let’s start with a case that sent shivers down the spine of every HR director. In 2024, Glenn Cowie, a senior executive at Vesuvius, was repeatedly referred to as an ‘old fossil’ and told he couldn’t manage millennials. The tribunal found this to be clear age discrimination and awarded Cowie £3.2 million – one of the largest pay outs of the year.
The lesson? Ageist language isn’t just inappropriate, it’s expensive. If your managers are still cracking jokes about ‘boomers’, it’s time for a refresher on inclusive leadership.
Fired by the bins for being a Wiccan
In Holland v Angel Supermarket Ltd, an employee practising Wicca was dismissed outside the store – next to the bins – after requesting time off to celebrate Hallowe’en. Her manager allegedly made derogatory comments about broomsticks and said, “You have got to be a Christian surely?”
The tribunal ruled this as religious discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. It’s a reminder that beliefs don’t have to be mainstream to be protected, and that HR must ensure managers understand the law around religion and belief.
The non-existent policy
An Apple Store employee was dismissed for making a racially insensitive joke referencing COVID-19. Apple claimed it had a “zero-tolerance policy,” but the tribunal found no such policy existed in writing. The dismissal was ruled unfair.
This case underscores the importance of documented policies. If your disciplinary procedures rely on unwritten rules, you’re walking into a legal graveyard.
Sexual harassment via Victoria Wood song
A hotel manager sang Victoria Wood’s “Let’s Do It” (a comic song about intimacy) to a chef while making suggestive gestures. He also faked an orgasm while eating food the chef had prepared.
The tribunal ruled this as sexual harassment, awarding compensation to the chef.
Final thoughts: HR’s role in exorcising the chaos
HR professionals are often the unsung heroes of the workplace – quietly managing crises, resolving conflicts and keeping the culture alive. But as these stories show, even the best HR teams can face terrifying situations.
This Hallowe’en, take a moment to reflect on your own HR horror stories. What policies need updating? What training could prevent the next tribunal? And most importantly – how can you make sure your people feel safe, respected, and supported?
Because in the end, the scariest thing in HR isn’t the ghost in the filing cabinet – it’s the avoidable mistake that turns into a legal nightmare.
People Business can help your organisation to avoid similar scenarios. Get in touch to discuss your HR issues (or how to avoid them) with one of our consultants.
