In a recent case the Employment Relations Authority has ordered an employer to pay over $10,000 to a worker it dismissed.  The worker had claimed 15 years experience as a refrigeration engineer and provided misleading references.

After a number of incidents of poor performance and dangerous acts the employer checked with his previous employer, to find that he had no qualifications and had only been a handyman.

The ERA held that the company should have done more to improve the employee’s performance by a performance improvement plan and monitoring.

Damages were reduced by 50% because of the employee’s contribution to the situation.

This case highlights the need to personally check on references and qualifications and to get advice on how to handle these situations before taking action.  If you need help call me on (04) 473 6850.