Compensation for worker sacked for allegedly making ‘Michael Jackson-style noises’ | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJames ManningThursday 28 August 2025 23:29 BSTThe Co-operative Group revealed it has returned to a half-year profit despite a soaring wage bill and rising costs of shoplifting across its retail stores. (PA Media)A warehouse worker, Lucasz Zawadzki, was unfairly dismissed from the Co-Operative Group after a colleague accused him of impersonating Michael Jackson and making racist noises.An employment tribunal in Manchester found Mr Zawadzki was unfairly dismissed and ordered the Co-Operative Group to pay him over £10,000 in compensation.Mr Zawadzki admitted making 'embarrassing and juvenile' noises at work, including 'grunting and moaning', but denied impersonating Michael Jackson or making racist monkey noises.The tribunal heard that the colleague alleged Mr Zawadzki made high-pitched 'hee hee' sounds mimicking the pop star and racist monkey noises.Employment Judge Carol Porter ruled there was no satisfactory evidence that Mr Zawadzki's admitted conduct was offensive to the colleague or that he was aware of a zero-tolerance policy for such behaviour.In fullCo-op worker who made Michael Jackson-style ‘hee hee’ noises at colleague was unfairly sacked, tribunal findsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in