A worker who was sacked for turning up late, taking advantage of co-workers, and for not being able to work to the standards required, has been awarded compensation by the Employment Relations Authority.

The employer’s failure in this case was that they sacked the employee by text with no proper process.  The employer should have put the allegations to the employee and given him a chance to respond before making any decisions on disciplinary action.

The ERA reduced the damages award by 50% due to the employee’s contribution to the situation.  Given the employee’s actions, dismissal would have been justified if a proper process had been followed.  Once again, an employer suffered a financial burden and all the extra time and trouble of a Tribunal hearing as a result of not following proper process. If you need help with the process call me on 04 473 6850.