Man claims constructive dismissal over LinkedIn case

An HR executive is claiming constructive dismissal after he was disciplined for posting his CV on his LinkedIn profile.

In the first case of its kind in the UK, John Flexman, who was an HR executive at gas exploration group BG Gas in Reading, says he was contacted by his manager while on holiday after posting his CV and ticking a box registering his interest in "career opportunities" on LinkedIn.

He was called to a disciplinary meeting and allegedly handed a list of complaints relating to his LinkedIn posting and informed he could be sacked as a result. He was told to take down the profile or remove all references to his job except title and dates. He was allegedly also informed that a new policy had come in which prevented staff from ticking the "career opportunities" box.

However, Flexman argues that other staff had ticked the box, but were not disciplined and that all information mentioned on his profile about BG Gas was publicly available.

He eventually handed in his notice in June after a breakdown in his relationship with senior managers. The case continues at Reading Employment Tribunal.