the Applicant v Endeavour Group Limited
Citation: [2026] FWC 1873
At a glance
- Employees affected
- 1
What happened
the Applicant was dismissed from her role at a BWS store in Prospect Vale, Tasmania, owned by Endeavour Group Limited, following a 'swarming' theft incident in February 2026. She had worked for the company or its predecessors for approximately 17 years. The store experienced increased theft incidents, including swarming events, prompting the implementation of security measures and training modules on responding to theft and armed hold-ups. the Applicant completed these online training modules but struggled with technology. During the swarming incident, she did not follow the company's policy of avoiding direct engagement with offenders.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission found Endeavour Group Limited had no valid reason for dismissing the Applicant and deemed the dismissal harsh. the Commissioner noted that while the Applicant understood the policies, there was inconsistency in how employees followed them during incidents, and she was penalised for not adhering to the policy of avoiding direct engagement. The Commission ordered her reinstatement to her former position.
What it means for employers
Employers should ensure their workplace policies are clear, consistently applied, and regularly reviewed. Training programs need to be accessible and understood by all employees, considering potential technological challenges. Inconsistent application of policies can undermine fairness and lead to adverse action claims.
What it means for employees
Employees should seek clarification if they are unsure about workplace policies or training requirements. If there is a perceived inconsistency in how policies are applied, it's important to raise concerns through appropriate channels.
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This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →