Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No AA 398/05
Hearing date 26 Sep 2005
Determination date 07 October 2005
Member J Scott
Representation F Sabbineni ; V Kerridge
Location Auckland
Parties Phillips v AMPT Ltd t/a AMPT Studio
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Poor performance - Had received written warning - Alleged number of issues with applicant: Poor personal presentation, clients complaint that applicant presented as depressing and lethargic, failed to open gym on time and was late with appointments, constantly talked to clients about personal problems - Applicant not a credible witness - While respondent had raised performance concerns with applicant during employment, was never put on unequivocal notice that unless performance improved, job would be in jeopardy - Written warning was non specific as to respondent's precise concerns and how to improve - In respect to complaint that led to dismissal, respondent erred by addressing complaint with applicant without clear statement that complaint was being treated extremely seriously - Neither was applicant advised of right to representation - Should have gone back to complainant to verify complaint in light of applicant's explanation - Remedies - Contributory conduct 50 percent - COUNTERCLAIM - Respondent alleged applicant's performance had caused losses - Losses came about because respondent did not face performance concerns in timely and appropriate manner - Gym instructor
Result Application granted ; Reimbursement of lost wages ($5,200 reduced to $2,600) ; Compensation for humiliation etc ($2,000 reduced to $1,000) ; Costs reserved
Statutes ERA s103A
Cases Cited Airline Stewards and Hostesses of NZ IUOW v Air NZ Ltd [1990] 3 NZILR 584 ; [1990] 3 NZLR 549;Auckland District Health Board v X [2005] 1 ERNZ 487
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: aa 398_05.pdf [pdf 33 KB]