| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Auckland |
| Reference No | [2015] NZERA Auckland 24 |
| Hearing date | 11 Nov 2014 |
| Determination date | 29 January 2015 |
| Member | TG Tetitaha |
| Representation | M Smyth ; A Parish |
| Location | Auckland |
| Parties | Wilson v Geovert Ltd |
| Summary | UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Redundancy - Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent - General manager |
| Abstract | AUTHORITY FOUND -;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: No personal motivation to get rid of applicant. Respondent's financial performance worsening over time. Respondent struggling to find work. Applicant's position surplus at time decision to disestablish position made. Reasons for redundancy genuine. No opportunity for applicant to comment on redundancy before decision made. Possibility of applicant's redundancy not raised explicitly prior to meeting in order to enable applicant to prepare. No information provided as to why applicant's position made redundant rather than other employee's position. Dismissal unexpected and abrupt. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: No contributory conduct. $5,000 compensation appropriate. |
| Result | Application granted ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($5,000) ; Costs reserved |
| Main Category | Personal Grievance |
| Statutes | ERA s4;ERA s4(1A)(c);ERA s4(4)(e);ERA s124;ERA s128 |
| Cases Cited | Allen v Transpacific Industries Group Ltd (t/as Medismart Ltd) (2009) 6 NZELR 530 (EmpC);Carter Holt Harvey Ltd v Yukich [2005] ERNZ 300 (CA);Coutts Cars Ltd v Baguley [2002] 2 NZLR 533 (CA);Finau v Carter Holt Building Supplies [1993] 2 ERNZ 971 (EmpC);G N Hale & Son Ltd v Wellington, etc, Caretakers, etc, IUW [1991] 1 NZLR 151 (CA);Grace Team Accounting Ltd v Brake [2014] NZCA 541, [2015] 2 NZLR 494;NCR (NZ) Corp Ltd v Blowes [2005] ERNZ 932 (CA);Paykel Ltd v Ahlfeld [1993] 1 ERNZ 334 (EmpC);Rittson-Thomas, (T/A Totara Hills Farm) v Davidson [2013] NZEmpC 39, [2013] ERNZ 55;Simpsons Farms Ltd v Aberhart [2006] ERNZ 825 (EmpC) |
| Number of Pages | 10 |
| PDF File Link: | 2015_NZERA_Auckland_24.pdf [pdf 91 KB] |