An NHS worker has been awarded nearly £30,000 in compensation after a tribunal found that being compared to Star Wars villain Darth Vader in a workplace personality test constituted a 'detriment'. Lorna Rooke, a supervisor in the NHS Blood and Transplant service, was subjected to the comparison during a team-building exercise, which the tribunal ruled caused her harm and contributed to her decision to leave her job.

The incident occurred when Rooke's colleagues participated in a Star Wars-themed Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test. While Rooke was absent from the room, a colleague completed the test on her behalf, resulting in her being categorized under the Darth Vader personality type. Despite arguments that the Darth Vader category described a 'very focused individual who brings the team together', Employment Judge Kathryn Ramsden dismissed these as positive attributes, stating that 'being aligned with his personality is insulting'.

The tribunal heard that the comparison made Rooke feel 'unpopular' and contributed to her experiencing low mood and anxiety in relation to her work environment. Although the tribunal acknowledged that Rooke's decision to leave was influenced by personal circumstances, it upheld her claim for detriment, awarding her £28,989.61 in compensation.

This case highlights the potential for workplace team-building exercises to have unintended negative consequences when not conducted with sensitivity and respect for all participants. The ruling serves as a reminder to employers of the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

A man in his 50s remains in life-threatening condition after sustaining a serious head injury during an altercation with door staff outside licensed premises in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning around 12:55am in the William Street area of the town, according to police statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Detective Inspector Handley confirmed that the man had been attempting to re-enter the licensed premises when he became aggressive toward two members of the door staff. Police reports indicate that the door staff pushed the man backward, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, resulting in the serious head injury that now threatens his life.

The door staff provided immediate medical treatment to the injured man before he was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released additional details about the man's identity or current medical status, focusing instead on their ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

PSNI detectives are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone recordings of the incident to come forward. The police reference number for the investigation is 75 of 19/10/25, and information can be provided through multiple channels including the PSNI website or anonymously via Crimestoppers.