In a case that has sparked intense debate over the boundaries of customer service and food safety, a long-serving London North Eastern Railway (LNER) worker has been dismissed for gross misconduct after serving “binned” sausage rolls to first-class passengers. Peter Duffy, who operated on the York-bound service, was terminated in July 2023 following an internal investigation that utilized on-board CCTV footage to confirm the breach.
The incident came to light after a fellow crew member reported hearing “lots of laughing” from the kitchen area. Suspicion was raised when the colleague noticed that the kitchen bin—which had previously contained discarded sausage rolls—was suddenly empty just as the snacks were being served to Coach K.
“Over and Beyond for the Customer”
During an investigatory meeting in May 2023, Duffy was forthright about his actions, admitting he retrieved the items because the train had “totally run out” of stock for first-class travelers.
- The Defense: Duffy described himself as a person who “goes over and beyond for the customer,” arguing that the sausage rolls remained wrapped in foil and that his intentions were purely focused on passenger satisfaction.
- Health Factors: Duffy’s legal team and union representatives cited a history of anxiety and depression. Most notably, they claimed he suffered from Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) on the day of the incident—a rare condition involving a temporary, total loss of short-term memory.
- The CCTV Evidence: Management countered that the footage showed the food was not fully protected by foil and that retrieving discarded waste constituted a “fundamental breach” of food hygiene regulations.
The Tribunal’s Final Ruling
After his dismissal, Duffy filed claims for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. However, in reasons published on January 4, 2026, an employment tribunal in Newcastle upheld LNER’s decision.
| Finding | Tribunal Conclusion |
| Reasonableness | LNER acted reasonably in dismissing Duffy for a clear breach of safety protocols. |
| Medical Evidence | The judge found no direct link between Duffy’s disability and the specific act of retrieving food from a bin. |
| Reputational Risk | The tribunal agreed the act could have caused “serious reputational damage” had a passenger witnessed it. |
A Cautionary Tale for Service Standards
While Duffy maintained that his actions were a result of professional dedication, the ruling reinforces the non-negotiable nature of food safety in the hospitality industry. The case serves as a stark reminder that even in the high-pressure environment of first-class service, “going the extra mile” cannot involve bypassing basic hygiene laws.
For the rail industry, the saga highlights the complexities of managing long-term employees struggling with mental health while maintaining rigid safety standards for the public. As of January 2026, the case is considered closed, with both of Duffy’s claims officially dismissed.
Train Meal Service Picture for Illustration purposes only
