Wincanton Lidl Employee Fired for Drinking 17p Bottle of Water

Julian Oxborough, a long-term employee at Lidl’s Wincanton store, was dismissed for consuming a 17p bottle of water without payment. He had worked for the supermarket for over ten years before this incident, which has now become a notable case in the realm of employment law.

Incident Overview

The event occurred on July 19, 2024, during Mr. Oxborough’s shift. A customer exchanged a bottle of water from a multipack that did not have a barcode for another that did. The customer left the original bottle at the checkout, which Mr. Oxborough later drank from out of concern for his health.

Discovery and Investigation

• Mr. Oxborough was suspended the following day after a store manager found the bottle at the checkout.
• Store CCTV footage confirmed Mr. Oxborough’s actions, prompting an investigation into his conduct.

During the investigation, Mr. Oxborough claimed he was dehydrated. He had previously seen individual bottles in the canteen and believed the multipack bottle could be written off. When questioned about his payment for the water, he admitted, “No, I think I may have forgot or can’t actually remember taking it.”

Tribunal Hearing

Mr. Oxborough argued that his dismissal was an overreaction. However, the tribunal found inconsistencies in his statements regarding his intentions on the day of the incident. Karina Moon, the area manager, scrutinized his reasoning, noting that he could have accessed tap water instead of the multipack bottle.

Decision and Reasoning

In October 2025, the tribunal upheld Lidl’s decision to dismiss Mr. Oxborough for gross misconduct. The ruling emphasized the necessity of maintaining a strict policy against consuming unpaid stock to ensure fairness across all operations.

Company’s Position

A Lidl representative stated that the decision to terminate a long-serving employee is not taken lightly. They reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding the consumption of unpaid stock, which is vital for maintaining operational integrity within the company.

This case highlights the complex balance between employee well-being and adherence to company policies. The tribunal’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and following workplace regulations.