Breakdown of trust and confidence

A breakdown in trust and confidence caused by the employee can lead to a fair dismissal for “some other substantial reason” (Huggins v Micrel Semiconductor (UK) EAT/0009/04). However, the Court of Appeal has warned that breach of the duty of mutual trust and confidence must not be used as a “convenient label to stick on any situation” to dismiss an employee in the absence of other lawful reasons (Leach v OFCOM [2012] EWCA Civ 959).