BBC Radio London interview with Edwin Coe regarding Jeremy Clarkson’s suspension

An Edwin Coe Employment Partner appeared on the Vanessa Feltz Show on BBC Radio London this morning to discuss the suspension of Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear after allegedly punching a producer on the show. As Edwin Coe commented, if an employee assaults somebody in the workplace this may result in a dismissal for gross misconduct. However, the status of Mr Clarkson may well be different to that of an employee as he may be a contractor to the BBC.

Whether the relationship is one of employee or contractor it is ultimately a decision for the business whether to end the relationship. It can be that the commercial position is that some individuals may be so intrinsic to a business that the business may not wish to support their departure. However, this has to be balanced against the duty of employers to provide a safe place of work and protect the trust and confidence that they owe to all their staff.

ENDS