Woman Wins £9,676 After Being Fired by Husband Following Affair

An employment tribunal ruled that Jacqueline Herling was unfairly dismissed from the family pub by her husband after discovering his affair with a colleague.

Jacqueline Herling was awarded £9,676 in compensation after successfully suing her husband and their family business for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and victimisation.
The dispute began in May 2022 when Mrs. Herling discovered CCTV footage of her husband, Stefan Herling, having an affair with a sous-chef at their pub, The Beehive Inn in Derbyshire.
Following the discovery, Mrs. Herling reduced her work to occasional duties but continued to live at the pub and receive her salary until October 2022, when her husband issued her a P45 without informing her.
The tribunal found that Mrs. Herling’s dismissal was unfair, as her husband failed to engage in discussions about alternative arrangements before terminating her employment.
The panel rejected Mr. Herling’s claim that his wife had effectively resigned, ruling that her reduced role did not constitute an intention to leave the business.