A British man sued his employer for a large sum over a table dispute (3 photos)

A man won compensation from his former employer. Estate agent Nicholas Walker won £21,411 after proving that his boss provided him with a desk inappropriate for his position and seniority.





The 53-year-old man resigned from Robsons Estate Agents in Hertfordshire, England, after his complaints about the workplace were not taken seriously.

Walker, a branch manager, was transferred to another branch and placed at the "middle" desk, while people in his position occupied the "back" desk. It was then that the Briton felt his authority and status were being challenged.

Boss Daniel Young reacted to his outrage. He couldn't believe that a "f***ing 53-year-old man" was making a fuss from behind his desk. As a result of the conflict, Nicholas submitted his resignation but soon tried to retract it. However, his boss was uncooperative.



Walker sued the company and won £21,411 in compensation for unfair dismissal.

The court found that Walker had legitimately felt disadvantaged at work due to the "status" of his desk. This is a direct violation of employment law.

In 2017, Walker was branch manager in Watford. In 2022, he was transferred to Chorleywood and asked to return the following year. It was upon his return that he was told he would be sharing the position with a junior colleague, Matthew Gooden.

Employment Judge Aku Reindorf stated: "When Mr. Walker learned that Mr. Gooden was sitting at the back desk and he would be sitting at the middle desk, it meant he was demoted and Mr. Gooden was promoted to branch manager. A logical conclusion."



The back desk, where the branch manager sits, has both symbolic and practical significance. It contains the accounting books, which the manager can consult.

The judge added: "Mr. Young lost his composure and was unable to handle the situation. This was partly due to the recommendations of the HR department, which exacerbated the crisis."