Dove v Brown & Newirth Ltd – Workplace Nicknames and Unfair Dismissal

Facts of the Case

Mr Dove was a sales representative for Brown & Newirth Ltd (“the Respondent”), a jewellery manufacturer, which employed about 43 people. He had worked for the Respondent for 25 years and had a clean disciplinary record. In 2011 Mr Ball began working for the Respondent as a sales director and in January 2014 Mr Thomas, who was in his early 30s, was appointed Head of Sales. Mr Dove was the only employee over the age of 50. At some point during Mr Dove’s service, Mr Thomas began nicknaming him “Gramps”. He used this nickname in emails and also verbally when others were present. The Respondent’s position was that this was an affectionate term of address which was not