Employee’s dismissal because of private life “was not unfair”

• Author:
• Steptoe & Johnson LLP

In Pay v. United Kingdom (2008), the European Court of Human Rights held that the dismissal of a probation officer as a result of his involvement in bondage and sadomasochistic performances in his off-duty hours neither breached his right to a private life nor his freedom of expression under Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Mr Pay was employed by the Lancashire Probation Services. When his activities came to light with his employers, he was dismissed. An Employm... (86 more words)

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