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$15,000 compensation for unfair dismissal

A company that sacked a pregnant worker because she could not lift heavy weights has been ordered to pay $15,000 compensation, plus two weeks wages.

The Employment Relations Authority has held that the dismissal was procedurally and substantively unjustified.

The worker found out she was pregnant after accepting a job involving heavy lifting.  The company wrongly assumed she knew she was pregnant at the time of the interview and had misled them when she said she was capable of lifting.

Never assume you know what the facts are.  You are obliged to put allegations to the employee and give them an opportunity to answer them.  You then need to investigate to establish the facts before you take further action.

Free guide on what steps to take or feel free to call Alan Knowsley.