Tesco Deputy Manager Loses Unfair Dismissal Claim Over Red Bull Incident

A former manager at Tesco who was sacked for drinking three cans of Red Bull without paying for them has failed to win a claim for unfair dismissal. The incident took place in 2019, when the employee was caught on CCTV consuming the energy drink at the store’s distribution centre without paying for them. Despite claiming that he had forgotten to pay for the drinks and offering to pay for them afterwards, the Tesco manager was dismissed from his position. In this article, we will explore the details of this case and the legal implications of the outcome.


A former deputy manager at Tesco, John Herd, has lost his case for unfair dismissal. Herd was accused of stealing three cans of Red Bull worth €9.45 as he forgot to pay for them on three separate occasions in October 2021. Herd claimed that he was going through a difficult time in his personal life and was on the verge of being made homeless, hence he drank the cans without paying for them. The supermarket argued that Herd had breached the “bond of trust” with the company, with the Workplace Relations Commission backing their decision. Herd accused Tesco of showing favouritism as similar allegations against other staff were allegedly overlooked. However, the investigating officer and disciplinary officer declined to discuss these situations, stating they were not aware of them. Herd was dismissed for gross misconduct in December 2021, which was upheld by adjudicating officer Pat Brady.


In conclusion, the former Tesco manager’s claim for unfair dismissal following his consumption of three cans of Red Bull without payment has been unsuccessful. While the situation may seem trivial, the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity within the workplace cannot be underestimated. It is essential that employees abide by ethical standards and follow company policies to foster a trustworthy and reliable work environment. The case serves as a reminder that violating these standards can result in serious consequences, including job loss.