In any contract of employment, there is an ‘implied term of trust and confidence’ between employer and employee.  But does this mean that an employer can’t suspend someone pending investigation in case they breach that term?

Judgement

The tribunals say not.  In the recent case of London Borough of Lambeth v Agorevo, a primary school teacher was suspended after being accused of using excessive force against a child with special education needs.  Her claim failed as the question was not whether it was ‘necessary’ to suspend her but whether there was ‘reasonable and proper cause’ to suspend.

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