Whistleblower Sues Unite Over Zero-Hours Contract

Martyn Reuby, a veteran trade unionist of over 42 years, has launched a claim for £200,000 against Unite, alleging unfair dismissal and breach of contract after raising concerns about his zero-hours employment status.

Background to the Dispute

Mr Reuby, 60, served as a lecturer delivering training on health & safety, workplace representation, equality, and best practice for Unite officials across London, Sussex, and the East Midlands from 2008 until his dismissal in March 2014. Although Unite publicly campaigns against the use of zero-hours contracts—viewed by the union as exploitative—Mr Reuby contends that he and up to 500 other tutors were effectively employed under such agreements.

Referred to internally as “Martyngate,” his case flags the union’s alleged inconsistency in condemning zero-hours practices while denying basic employment rights to its own educators.

Legal Proceedings and Tribunal Ruling

In March last year, the Croydon Employment Tribunal ruled that Mr Reuby had indeed been on a series of short-term contracts with Unite from 2008 to 2014, entitling him to employee rights. He is now claiming:

• Loss of earnings and injury to feelings totalling over £200,000
• Additional costs – approximately £150,000 to date – for legal fees and breach of contract claims

If successful, his victory could prompt hundreds of other lecturers to seek compensation for similar losses.

Mr Reuby’s Testimony

Represented by Jahad Rahman, Mr Reuby told the tribunal:

“I strongly believe that my dismissal was automatically unfair and an act of victimisation because I challenged the hypocrisy over zero-hours contracts within the union. These contracts are driving people into poverty and debt, directly conflicting with what Unite claims to stand for.”

He detailed ongoing personal impacts:

• Inability to socialise with friends and fellow activists
• Strained family relationships, including anger management issues at home
• Persistent depression and a lack of interest in daily activities

Unite’s Response

Unite maintains that it does not use zero-hours contracts. A union spokesperson stated:

“It is misleading to suggest that Unite employs staff on zero-hours. The tribunal found Mr Reuby was on several short-term contracts, not a zero-hours agreement.”

Potential Implications

Should Mr Reuby’s claim for unfair dismissal succeed, other tutors previously contracted under similar terms may follow suit. The case highlights a broader debate over the use of insecure contracts—one that has already drawn significant attention in UK workplaces.

For further reading on related legal victories, see our report on unpaid lecturers’ employment rights.