EE manager tried to sue employer after taking unauthorized leave to go on dating show

On September 13, the workshop director did not show up for work and did not inform his superiors that he was leaving.

After further attempts to contact Mr. Worley, his absence was noted as unauthorized and he was considered AWOL from that date.

Upon his return, the store manager was invited to a disciplinary meeting on October 7 and dismissed.

Mr Worley, who also appeared on Married at First Sight last year, tried to sue EE for unfair dismissal, breach of contract and disability discrimination.

But now his claims have been rejected.

Employment judge Stephen Shore said Mr Worley’s dismissal was based on gross misconduct after he took more than six days off work without leave.

The reality star attempted to claim disability discrimination due to his dyslexia, which he claimed affected his ability to understand EE’s AWOL policy.

However, the tribunal found that the diagnosis was based on evidence that was not medical in nature and was not carried out by anyone suitably qualified.

He tried unsuccessfully to claim that a “fire in his home” had “destroyed his personal medical records, which may have supported his story.”

The panel ruled that Mr Worley said in a telephone conversation with his line manager that he would “take the holiday anyway”.

Concluding the judgment, Judge Shore said: “(Mr Worley) had no lawful reason for his absence.

“We found that (Mr. Worley) was capable of reading, understanding and following the AWOL policy.”