Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Wellington
Reference No WA 96/04
Hearing date 14 Jul 2004 - 15 Jul 2004 (2 days)
Determination date 30 July 2004
Member G J Wood
Representation G Jenkins ; K Stretton
Location Napier
Parties Peacock v Titchmarsh
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Severe problems with farm during applicant's first three months as manager - Performance issues raised informally - Demotion offered as condition of continuing employment - Applicant resigned on four weeks' notice - Subsequent summary dismissal - No disciplinary procedure followed - Demotion required prior warning - Trust and confidence not in issue as respondent obviously originally prepared to continue employing applicant albeit at lesser level - Resignation following enforced demotion amounted to unjustified constructive dismissal - Summary dismissal also unjustified - REMEDIES - Applicant greatly distressed by treatment and entitled to significant compensation - Lost remuneration awarded - Contributory conduct 35 percent - OTHER MONIES - Employment agreement included reimbursement for work phone calls - Monies due and owing - Records unavailable - Quantum determined in equity and good conscience - Farm manager
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($10,513 reduced to $6,833.45)(4 weeks full salary plus 8 months partial salary) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($10,000 reduced to $6,500) ; Other monies ($300) ; Costs reserved
Statutes ERA s123(c)(i)
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: wa 96_04.pdf [pdf 21 KB]