£85k payout for doc who lost role after sick leave

'UNFAIR DISMISSAL' BY HEALTH TRUST

- By Kristy Dawson Reporter [e-mail]

AN NHS trust has been told to compensate a doctor more than £85,000 following an unfair dismissal.

Dr Faisal Qureshi had been employed by the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust for three years.

After three months of sick leave, he returned to work on January 22, 2024, only to find his position no longer existed. Instead of resuming previous duties he had performed since January 2021, Dr Qureshi was informed he could schedule 'ad hoc' bank shifts.

Dr Qureshi promptly resigned and brought the trust before a Newcastle tribunal for unfair dismissal. Initially, the trust disputed the claim, arguing that he was not deemed an employee.

However, on March 27 last year, they conceded that he was indeed an employee and had been unfairly dismissed. Subsequently, they were directed to pay him a total of £85,224.93.

Dr Qureshi typically worked from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. His standard weekly hours were 40, with a gross hourly rate of £50 (£104,000 per annum). He regularly worked additional hours during evenings and weekends and received holiday pay in addition to his hourly wage.