AI boss, called ‘incredibly lazy’ and accused of sleeping at desk, wins dismissal case in UK

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The judge said the company did not take proper steps to manage performance concerns or resolve a personality clash. | Trending

A British AI company director who was called an “incredibly lazy woman” and accused of sleeping at her desk recently won an unfair dismissal case in the UK.

Dr Dan Luo, 46, was criticised by fellow directors of a British AI startup over her work performance and commitment. An employment tribunal ruled that the company had unfairly dismissed her by leaving her in a “limbo situation”.

Luo, who previously worked as a medical doctor in China, moved to the UK in 2020. A month later, in October, she joined Blue Strawberry AI, formerly known as Canterbury AI, a small startup specialising in media management and marketing. She had also made a significant financial investment in the company and became its shareholder, director and employee.

According to the employment tribunal, the company knew that Luo had no prior business experience when she joined. However, concerns about her work performance began emerging in February 2022.

Wesley Baker, another director of the company, emailed Luo in February 2022, raising concerns about errors in her work. Three months later, the two discussed her performance and alleged use of work hours for non-work-related activities. Baker subsequently wrote to Pall Mall Investments, the organisation involved in placing Luo’s investment in the company, expressing concerns about her contribution.

In the email, he described her work commitment as being at the level of a “school leaver or a school apprentice”. “The level of work commitment is that of a school leaver or a school apprentice, but even this is generous, as it is so poor,” he wrote.

“In all my years in business, I have never encountered such a low level of skill and dedication; also, we have an issue where even outside trainers have commented on her level and standard of work. She is the bottom line, incredibly lazy woman, and I have this confirmed by others who are external and trained her,” Baker added.

In July 2022, Baker sent another email directly to Luo, accusing her of sleeping at her…

“Wh…

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