Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2014] NZERA Christchurch 96
Hearing date 1 Jul 2014
Determination date 03 July 2014
Member M B Loftus
Representation A Ogilvie ; no appearance
Location Christchurch
Parties Chapman v Sweethearts at Berryfields Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Dismissal - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed - Whether applicant dismissed or resigned - ACC - Partial return to work following injury - COSTS - Applicant sought contribution towards costs - No appearance for respondent - Gardener and kitchen hand
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant dismissed after attempt to return to work following injury. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $5,850 reimbursement of lost wages. $7,500 compensation appropriate.;COSTS: Less than one day investigation meeting. Applicant had to prepare on basis claims would be defended. Applicant made legitimate calderbank offer. Uplift in daily tariff appropriate. Respondent to pay applicant $5,000 contribution towards costs
Result Application granted; Reimbursement of lost wages ($5,850); Compensation for humiliation etc ($7,500); Costs in favour of applicant ($5,000)
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3)(a);ERA s124;ERA s128(2)
Cases Cited Allen v Transpacific Industries Group Ltd (t/as Medismart Ltd) (2009) 6 NZELR 530;Bradbury v Westpac Banking Corp [2009] 3 NZLR 400;Motor Machinists Ltd v Craig [1996] 2 ERNZ 585;PBO Ltd (formerly Rush Security Ltd) v Da Cruz [2005] ERNZ 808
Number of Pages 7
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Christchurch_96.pdf [pdf 159 KB]