29th October 2024
Opera Conductor Sacked Following Misuse Of Pronouns Wins Unfair Dismissal Claim
An Employment Tribunal has ruled that the National Opera Studio, the studio responsible for training prominent classical artists including Alfie Boe and Wynne Evans, unfairly dismissed a conductor in the wake of complaints about his use of pronouns towards a young artist.
Following a report from a student that his behaviour was “intimidating, bullying and possibly discriminatory”, internationally recognised conductor and coach Mark Shanahan was sacked from his teaching post at the National Opera Studio.
Complaints included his misuse of pronouns towards a young artist, as well as bullying and intimidation.
Shanahan was suspended for several months while an investigation took place before his employment was terminated in September 2023.
The Ruling
However, an Employment Tribunal Judge ruled that the National Opera Studio dismissed Shanahan unfairly. Shanahan claimed that the investigation into his behaviour was conducted to “manufacture a purportedly fair reason for dismissal”, but the Tribunal ruled that despite their ruling in favour of his unfair dismissal claim, Shanahan was partly culpable for his dismissal.
Ruling that there was a “40 per cent chance” that Shanahan would have been fairly dismissed in any case, the Judge accordingly reduced his compensatory award by 15%. The Judge also denied Shanahan’s claim of age discrimination.
Shanahan continues to hold positions at the Royal Academy, the Royal Northern College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Link to the Tribunal Ruling: Mr M Shanahan v National Opera Studio: 2305977/2021 – GOV.UK
