A “loyal” P&O Ferries worker was unfairly dismissed over unfounded allegations that he aggressively pulled a female colleague’s hair, called her offensive names and acted inappropriately, a tribunal judge has ruled. Paul Gregory, employed as a customer services representative at the Port of Dover for nearly 30 years, faced multiple allegations made by Freesia Pullen, judge Liz Ord said.
Mr Gregory, who had no prior complaints against him and had served as a GMB union workplace representative, successfully brought legal action against the firm for unfair dismissal after being sacked. The allegations against Mr Gregory began in March 2023, when Ms Pullen accused him of “tugging her hair” in a way she found aggressive, a Croydon employment tribunal heard.
Mr Gregory, who was left shocked by the accusation, claimed that he had only playfully tugged her hair in response to a “cheeky” remark she had made, the tribunal heard. Later the same day, Ms Pullen alleged that Mr Gregory had whispered “you c***” in her ear.
Mr Gregory denied this accusation, arguing that he had never said it. As an internal investigation into the claims took place, Ms Pullen alleged that Mr Gregory often called her a “dumb f***” when she made mistakes. She also alleged that he would touch her back, shoulders, hands and arms, the tribunal heard.
