Scots beauty entrepreneur wins £50k compo after being sacked over ‘working holidays’

Scottish beauty entrepreneur awarded £50k compensation after unfair dismissal following ‘working holidays’

A Scottish beauty entrepreneur, Hayley Harvey-Smith, has successfully won over £50,000 in compensation after being unfairly dismissed for taking working holidays while managing her own beauty company. Hayley, the founder of a thriving beauty school, faced criticism for her extended stays in Bali, Australia, Paris, and a luxury ski resort in France. Despite earning a substantial annual income of up to £220,000, Hayley, as the director, had the flexibility to take leave as needed and claimed she continued to work while abroad.

The tribunal revealed that Hayley faced no issues during her trips until she sold her shares in the business months later to Mark Thompson, a new owner who raised concerns and ultimately terminated her employment under the guise of redundancy. Despite disputes over her travel activities, the tribunal found that her trips were in fact working holidays and did not violate any employment regulations. Consequently, Hayley was awarded £51,293 in compensation for unfair dismissal and unpaid holidays by suing GlamCandy UK.

Having co-founded GlamCandy in 2011, Hayley took sole control of the business, overseeing its operations, marketing, and strategic development. Despite having set working hours, she often exceeded them, dedicating long hours including weekends to the business. While entitled to 25 days of annual leave, Hayley managed her time autonomously, often working while travelling abroad. Following the sale of her shares in June 2023, Hayley continued her involvement in the business until she was abruptly dismissed in December of the same year by the new owner without due process.

The tribunal ruled that the redundancy claim was a sham and Hayley was unfairly dismissed without legitimate cause. Her involvement in other ventures did not breach contractual agreements, and the tribunal upheld her claims for compensation. Hayley’s case highlights the importance of fair treatment and due process in employment disputes, ensuring that individuals are protected from unjust actions in the workplace.

In conclusion, the case of Hayley Harvey-Smith sheds light on the complexities of entrepreneurship, autonomy, and fairness in the business world. It underscores the significance of transparent communication, adherence to employment regulations, and the protection of employees’ rights in the face of dismissal. Hayley’s resilience and pursuit of justice serve as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges in their professional lives.