Lauren Henry’s story is one of strength tested by an unexpected blow.
Just days after starting a new role at a small marketing agency, she received a breast cancer diagnosis that changed everything.
What happened next was not only heartbreaking but also legally significant — Lauren was fired while seriously ill, sparking a discrimination case that ultimately awarded her a £15,000 payout.
Starting a New Job and a Life-Altering Diagnosis
Lauren joined Red Rag Marketing, a small agency based in Crewe, Cheshire, as a Business Development Executive on May 22, 2023.
Just eight days later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Despite this devastating news, Lauren remained committed to her new job.
She called her boss, Jamie Parker, the managing director, who promised to support her through treatment and accommodate her medical appointments.
Working Through Treatment and Facing Setbacks
In June, Lauren’s boss expressed satisfaction with her progress.
She continued to work even after her first surgery on July 4, managing her duties from home.
However, things took a turn when she developed a post-operative infection on July 17.
This complication left her unable to work for six weeks, forcing her to take sick leave until late August.
The Shock of Being Fired While Seriously Ill
Then, out of the blue on August 10, Lauren received an email from Mr. Parker notifying her that she was being dismissed with just one week’s notice.
The reason given was that it had become “untenable” for the company to support her through her illness due to financial difficulties.
Lauren, described by the tribunal as a dedicated and competent worker, said she was blindsided by the decision.
Financial Troubles and Business Realities Behind the Scenes
The tribunal heard that Red Rag Marketing had been facing financial struggles even before Lauren was hired.
She was brought on board to help turn things around by generating new business and boosting revenue.
However, her illness meant she couldn’t meet those expectations, which Mr. Parker cited as justification for her dismissal.
The Emotional and Psychological Toll of the Dismissal
Lauren took the company to an employment tribunal, alleging discrimination related to her disability — her cancer diagnosis.
She revealed how the dismissal left her feeling ashamed of her illness, exposed her family to financial stress, and shattered her trust in future employers.
Her husband testified that Lauren went from a confident, capable woman to someone who felt diminished and overwhelmed by working life.
What the Tribunal Decided About Discrimination
Employment Judge Lorna Findlay ruled that while Lauren’s dismissal was not a case of direct discrimination — since someone else in her probation with non-disability-related sick leave might have faced a similar fate — the dismissal was discriminatory because it was related to her disability.
The judge criticized Mr. Parker for offering only vague evidence of financial troubles and confirmed that the decision to dismiss Lauren was influenced by her cancer-related absence.
The Impact of Losing a Job During Illness
The judge emphasized how severe the impact was for Lauren, losing her job when she was least able to look for alternatives and at her lowest point emotionally.
She described the dismissal as causing “considerable anguish,” especially since Lauren had trusted the company to support her through her treatment.
A £15,000 Payout Offers Some Justice
In the end, Lauren was awarded £14,195.89 in compensation for the discrimination and distress caused by her dismissal.
While no amount of money can erase the experience, the ruling sends a strong message about the rights of employees facing serious illness and the responsibilities of employers.