Tribunals rule licensees' dismissals unfair
A licensee who took on a pubco when she lost her job has won her claim for unfair dismissal.
Lilian McNaughton took the Barracuda Group to an employment tribunal after she was dismissed as manager at the Ketton Ox in Yarm, Cleveland.
She had been in the job for 22 years but was asked to leave in September when the pub was refurbished and its image was changed.
Convinced she had not been given valid reasons for her dismissal, Ms McNaughton took her case to the Transport and General Workers Union.
A hearing at Thornaby Employment Tribunal on Monday and Tuesday this week backed her claim. Ms McNaughton said: "I'm delighted with the decision. I lost my job, my home and my standing in the community.
"This goes some way to repairing the damage and I want to thank everyone for the support they have given me."
In a statement following the tribunal finding, Barracuda Group said: "We respect the ruling made at the tribunal and have consequently agreed to pay Ms McNaughton an undisclosed sum in compensation for unfair dismissal."
A former husband and wife management team from Southampton also tasted victory after their claim for constructive dismissal was upheld.
In March 2002 Charles and Kay Coady had to resign as managers of the Stile in Highfield, Southampton, which was then owned by Scottish & Newcastle, after problems with staff had led to depression.
The employment tribunal in Liverpool found that the area manager and his team, now employed by Spirit Group, had not acted responsibly and awarded Mr and Mrs Coady an undisclosed settlement.
Mr Coady also won a further settlement for a disability discrimination claim as he battled with depression, heart problems and breathing difficulties during the time of mismanagement.
Related articles:
Barracuda faces tribunal in licensee age row (5 May 2004)
