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Morrisons employee's sexual harassment claim dismissed

Barry Cochrane's lawsuit over a Secret Santa gift was dismissed by the tribunal.

July 21, 2025 at 08:46 PM

Scots Morrisons worker sues for sexual harassment over colleague's cheeky gift in Secret Santa

Barry Cochrane's lawsuit against Morrisons over a colleague's joke gift ends in dismissal.

Sexual Harassment Claim Over Secret Santa Gift Fails in Tribunal

Barry Cochrane, a Health and Safety employee at Morrisons-owned Neerock, quit his job claiming he was sexually harassed because of a cheeky Secret Santa gift. The incident involved a mug that revealed a crude image when filled with hot water. Although Cochrane was not present during the meeting where the gift was opened, he saw messages about it afterwards and felt singled out for humor. He described his mental health as taking a significant hit as a result. However, a tribunal dismissed his claims, stating his reaction was excessive and the discussions were meant in a light-hearted spirit.

Key Takeaways

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Barry Cochrane sued Morrisons for sexual harassment due to a cheeky Secret Santa gift.

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The gift, a mug, contained an inappropriate image revealed when filled with hot water.

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Cochrane was not present when the mug was opened but viewed messages that upset him.

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The tribunal found his reaction to be disproportionate and dismissed his claims.

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This case illustrates the tension between workplace humor and personal sensitivity.

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Judges emphasized that litigation should not arise from oversensitivity.

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The ruling may influence how humor is perceived and managed in professional environments.

"We consider that [Mr Cochrane's] reaction was disproportionate."

This remark from the tribunal highlights the assessment of Cochrane's sensitivity regarding the situation.

"His outrage at his name being mentioned on the thread is confected, with this litigation in mind."

The judge’s comment shows disbelief at Cochrane's claim of offense, suggesting a tactical approach to sue.

This case highlights the delicate balance of workplace humor and personal boundaries. While the intention behind the Secret Santa gift may have been innocent humor, Cochrane's response raises questions about how far jokes can go in professional settings. The tribunal’s dismissal suggests a growing intolerance for claims perceived as frivolous, emphasizing a need for employees to navigate workplace interactions with caution. This incident may also reflect wider societal tensions regarding workplace behavior and sensitivity to personal feelings.

Highlights

A crude joke may cost more than just a laugh.
The line between humor and harassment can be blurry.
Sensitivity in the workplace is more important than ever.
Should workplace jokes come with a warning?

Sensitive Workplace Environment Concerns

This case raises questions about workplace culture and the appropriateness of humor in professional settings. The dismissal of the claim may lead to further discord among employees sensitive to jokes or comments shared in work contexts.

Balancing humor and professionalism remains a complex issue in today's workplaces.

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harassment workplace law humor employment law workplace employment

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