Mulikat Ogumodede had maintained a spotless record at Parliament in terms of attendance and conduct. However, it was revealed she was also employed during daytime hours at Deutsche Bank. While cleaning in Parliament, she reportedly worked from 10 pm to 6 am, having already been on duty at the bank from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Her employer, Churchill Contract Services (which held the cleaning contract for both locations), claimed it was unaware of her dual employment. When the overlap came to light, the company argued that her schedule breached UK working-time regulations, which require an 11-hour rest period between shifts. The firm also cited health and safety risks as well as possible reputational and financial exposure.
Ogumodede challenged the dismissal in the tribunal court, asserting it was unfair and claiming wrongful deductions from her wages. She maintained she felt fit and rested well over the weekends.
However, the tribunal ruled in favour of the employer. Judge Richard Woodhead described the dismissal as “clearly fair,” citing serious concerns over the cumulative risks of such prolonged working hours and Ogumodede’s deliberate concealment of her second job.
In his judgment, the judge acknowledged that her work performance at Parliament had been impressive, but concluded that her intentional nondisclosure and the threat posed to health, safety, and compliance, justified the termination.
