Worker Fired for Liking a Facebook Picture

| W.E.U Admin | News
TAGS: Bullying, Dismissal
Dear Member,
This case offers a crucial warning about engaging with work-related content on social media. Inappropriate online actions—whether on Facebook, Twitter or via email—can carry serious consequences. Always think twice before you click, post or share.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Troy Garrod clicked the “Like” button beneath a photo of a jumper draped over an empty chair.
- Uploaded by a colleague who joked she was “f***** crying” at the image.
- Days later, Troy received a text message informing him he’d lost his job.
- Bertrams Books deemed his action a form of bullying.
Background and Dismissal
Troy Garrod, aged 27, had been with Bertrams Books in Norwich for four-and-a-half years. Initially employed full-time, he was later placed in a temporary role by HR GO recruitment.
On October 20, while relaxing at home, Troy logged into Facebook on his mobile. A female colleague had posted a photo showing a wolf-print fleece hanging over a chair with the caption:
“OMG I’m f***** crying…. I’m sure there’s a wolf fleece appreciation page pahahaha.”
Seeing that more than 70 people had already “Liked” the image, Troy clicked the button too—never realising it might be viewed as harassment. A few days later, he received a terse text message:
“You no longer have a job. Thank you for your service. Bertrams Books.”
Troy later told The Mirror: “I felt really hurt and angry. All my former colleagues think what happened is ridiculous. It’s unfair that clicking ‘Like’ caused me so much trouble.”
Employer and Agency Responses
A Bertrams Books spokeswoman maintained: “We do not comment on personal matters.” It’s understood the colleague who uploaded the image was suspended pending investigation.
HR GO, the agency that placed Troy, added: “We recently placed Mr Garrod in a temporary role with a client. He had previously been a full-time employee with the same company. The issue you describe is between the client and Mr Garrod.”
Lessons for Employees
Keep personal and professional online personas separate. Even innocuous clicks—such as “Liking” a post—can be construed as workplace bullying. Before interacting with any work-related content, ask yourself:
- Could this be misinterpreted by my employer?
- Am I exposing myself to unnecessary risk?
- Is it worth the potential fallout?
Always err on the side of caution.
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