James Eyles, a Ministry of Defence worker at NATO headquarters, has had his harassment claim dismissed after he complained that he wasn’t given a ‘good luck’ card when leaving his post.
The employment tribunal in Cambridge ruled that the oversight did not constitute harassment and was not linked to his disabilities.
Background: Serving at NATO Headquarters
Mr Eyles joined the MoD in March 2020, taking charge of accommodation stores at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.
His role involved supplying furniture and soft furnishings to NATO and British MoD staff and their families.
He also oversaw a team in Sennelager, Germany, until a departmental restructure in May 2021 moved the team under another manager.
Claims of Demotion and Discrimination
Eyles argued that after losing responsibility for the Sennelager team, his duties were reduced to menial tasks and claimed this was motivated by knowledge of his disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
He also recounted an incident in October 2021 where his boss allegedly criticized him as “incompetent” over a furniture mix-up.
He further stated that the MoD denied his request to extend his tour by two years in September 2022 and rejected multiple role applications, including a housing manager post in November 2022 and a repair department manager position in March 2023.
The Farewell Card Controversy
When his tour ended in July 2023, Mr Eyles was not given a farewell card or presentation.
He claimed this omission amounted to disability harassment.
Employment Judge Kate Hutchings noted that while Eyles was upset, the tribunal found no evidence linking the absence of a card or presentation to his disabilities.
She highlighted that it was a discretionary gesture and not all departing employees received one; a colleague confirmed she did not get a card when leaving in July 2024.
Judge Hutchings also pointed out that line managers were off sick at the time, preventing arrangements.
Tribunal Decision
Ultimately, the tribunal ruled that Eyles’s harassment claim related to disability “fails” and that many of his other complaints were unfounded or did not occur.
Despite the legal setback, Mr Eyles remains employed with the MoD.
