British Forces News reports that three Appeal Court judges have ruled that forces wives who took overseas jobs with the Ministry of Defence are entitled to protection against unfair dismissal:

The judges ruled that the the wives of servicemen can bring unfair dismissal claims in the UK despite not being employed in the UK itself.

The ruling was a victory for Claire Wallis and Dawn Grocott, who were employed by schools on Nato bases in Europe.

When they began working, their respective husbands were armed services personnel also employed by the MOD at NATO bases.

They were dismissed when their husbands ceased to be employed as members of the armed services and began working as civilians.

The judges also made clear it is of general importance to workers at MOD bases around the world, and to overseas employees of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The Ministry of Defence had appealed against a previous Employment Appeal Tribunal decision in favour of Claire Wallis and Dawn Grocott.

• British Forces News report - includes audio
• BAFF services - Employment Tribunal claims by armed forces personnel  Any BAFF member whose partner is affected by this issue is welcome to discuss it with us.