Concierge sacked for watching ‘blue movie’ whilst on the clock

-

A concierge at a plush block of luxury apartments in Birmingham city centre was sacked for watching sexually explicit content on the internet when he should have been guarding security.

Desmond Henry was accused of putting residents of the Watermarque development, on Browning Street, at risk by spending too much time viewing a dirty website, at Birmingham Employment Tribunal.

Mr Henry, of Marshall Street, Smethwick claimed he was unfairly dismissed by his employers. Mainstay Facilities Management Ltd.

He had worked for the firm for eight years and he was sacked for gross misconduct.
He claimed he was viewing the images for educational purposes and that he was studying the human anatomy.

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

But the tribunal rejected his allegations and his claims for unfair dismissal.
Daniel Potter, a management official for the firm, told the tribunal that the firm received a complaint that Mr Henry was spending too much time on a pornography website at his office at the block.

He said the complainant reported that Mr Henry was not carrying out his security duties to the full.

Latest news

Curtis Holmes: Payroll is the driver for employee engagement

Payroll has long been treated as a back-office necessity: essential, but not something that shapes culture or drives engagement. This no longer stands.

Labour market yet to show major AI impact on jobs, govt adviser says

A government economic adviser has challenged predictions of widespread AI-driven unemployment, arguing labour market data has yet to show disruption.

Young workers ‘pressured into signing NDAs after workplace injuries’

Workers say injuries are being hidden behind confidentiality agreements while financial pressures leave many afraid to challenge unsafe conditions.

CIPD recognises 30 HR leaders driving change across UK workplaces

The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising senior people leaders whose work has delivered measurable impact across organisations and workforces.
- Advertisement -

Brits dream of being their own boss, but still cling to the monthly pay cheque, survey reveals

Britons say they like the idea of self-employment, but most still value the security and stability of traditional jobs.

AI Coaching Won’t Replace Managers. It Will Expose Coaching Debt.

As AI coaching expands, employers may gain a clearer view of where manager support is falling short.

Must read

Allison Grant: Back to basics – disciplinary and grievance procedures

As the Employment Tribunals continue to receive high numbers...

Iain Mcmath: Higher prices

A recent survey by the Daycare Trust revealed that...
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you