Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch
Reference No CA 166/06
Hearing date 28 Jul 2006
Determination date 30 November 2006
Member P Montgomery
Representation D Beck ; K Reid & C Gibb
Location Christchurch
Parties McKay v Woodend Preschool & Nursery Ltd t/a Minnies Preschool
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL - Whether dismissed or resigned - Applicant employed on fixed term while permanent employee (KR") on parental leave - Respondent claimed applicant resigned and later changed her mind - Applicant alleged director became angry and threatened her - Respondent's evidence preferred - Applicant had previously signalled would leave early if found new position - In circumstances, brief conversation with director about resignation adequate - Communication from applicant not ambiguous and director did not seize upon unintended words capable of amounting to resignation - Written notice not required - No onus on employer to determine if resigning employee had alternative employment - Open to respondent to contact KR and once she agreed to return, balance of original agreement unavailable to applicant - Applicant had not asked to withdraw resignation but appeared to think just had to notify respondent intended to stay - Withdrawal of resignation could not be made unilaterally - Applicant resigned - No personal grievance - Length of service 10 months - Early childhood educator"
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Cases Cited Boobyer v Good Health Wanganui Ltd unreported, Goddard CJ, 24 February 1994, WEC 3/94
Number of Pages 6
PDF File Link: ca 166_06.pdf [pdf 38 KB]