Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No [2016] NZERA Christchurch 169
Hearing date 29-Jul-16
Determination date 23 September 2016
Member H Doyle
Representation M McDonald ; T Smith
Location Christchurch
Parties Bray v James Scott Construction Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Dismissal – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed by respondent
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND –UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL: Fair and reasonable employer could be expected to have directly communicated with applicant to advise not dismissed. Respondent deliberately decided not to contact applicant. Applicant did not resign after incident. Failure to communicate after incident amounted to dismissal. Procedural fairness requirements not met. Dismissal unjustified. REMEDIES: 10 per cent contributory conduct. Respondent to pay applicant $3,308 reimbursement of lost wages. $6,300 compensation appropriate.
Result Application granted ; Contributory conduct (10%) ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($3,308.11) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($6,300) ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Statutes ERA s103A ; ERA s103A(3) ; ERA s103A(4)
Cases Cited Lim v Meadow Mushrooms Ltd [2015] NZEmpC 192 ; New Zealand Cards Ltd v Ramsay [2012] NZEmpC 51 ; Taylor v Milburn Lime Ltd [2011] NZEmpC 164, (2011) 9 NZELR 275
Number of Pages 11
PDF File Link: 2016_NZERA_Christchurch_169.pdf [pdf 129 KB]