Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2016] NZERA Christchurch 19
Hearing date 8-Dec-15
Determination date 01 March 2016
Member Helen Doyle
Representation AJ Lodge ; T McGinn
Location Christchurch
Parties Dewar v Xtreme Dining Ltd t/a Think Steel
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Serious Misconduct – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent – Theft – Fabrication assistant
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –;UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Applicant not given relevant information or opportunity to respond to theft allegations. Respondent did not carry out fair and reasonable investigation process. Unreasonable for respondent to conclude in circumstances that applicant stole. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: 16.6 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $2,709 reimbursement of lost wages. $10,000 compensation for humiliation etc appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Contributory conduct (16.6%) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($2,709.08) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($10,000) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s4;ERA s103A;ERA s103A(3)(a);ERA s103A(3)(b);ERA s103A(3)(c);ERA s103A(3)(d);ERA s123(1)(b);ERA s123(1)(c);ERA s124;ERA s128;ERA s160(1)(a)
Cases Cited Angus v Ports of Auckland Ltd [2011] NZEmpC 160, [2011] ERNZ 466;Murphy & Routhan (t/a Enzo’s Pizza) v Van Beek [1998] 2 ERNZ 607 (EmpC);New Zealand (with exceptions) Shipwrights etc Union v Honda NZ Ltd [1989] 3 NZILR 82 (LC);Harris v Warehouse Ltd [2014] NZEmpC 188, [2014] ERNZ 480
Number of Pages 23
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Christchurch_19.pdf [pdf 254 KB]