In a case against Barclays Bank PLC brought by 126 Claimants (who were either applicants for employment or employees of the Bank) it was alleged that they had been sexually assaulted by a doctor who was carrying out a medical assessment and examination on behalf of the Bank. A preliminary issue arose as to whether or not the Bank was vicariously liable for any of the assaults. The High Court determined that the Bank was vicariously liable because:
- The assaults had been committed as a result of the activity being undertaken by the doctor on behalf of the Bank. The Bank controlled the doctor as to what he did, even though they did not direct him how he should do it;
- There was a sufficiently close connection between the assaults and the carrying out of the doctor's duties;
- It was just and reasonable to impose vicarious liability, as this was now the Claimants' sole recourse as the doctor was now deceased and the acts complained of had taken place a long time ago.
This case serves as a reminder that in some circumstances employers can be held liable for the acts of third parties, even when the alleged acts are carried out in secret and the employer cannot reasonably be expected to be aware of them.
At /site/for-you/employment-law-for-employees/Gepp Solicitors our Employment Law Team will be happy to assist you with any aspect of employment law. If you seek advice, please contact us on 01245 228141 or via deana@gepp.co.uk.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
