Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2011] NZERA Auckland 408
Hearing date 17 May 2011 - 22 Jun 2011 (2 days)
Determination date 19 September 2011
Member Y S Oldfield
Representation B Fox ; R Upton
Location Auckland
Parties Scott v Waiwera Infinity Spa Resort Ltd
Summary UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissal – UNJUSTIFIED DISADVANTAGE – Applicant claimed unjustifiably dismissed and disadvantaged by respondent – Applicant went on leave following diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome – During applicant’s absence new role of Spa Manager created – Applicant advised Spa Manager (“B”) would have to limit massage duties but gave no indication of how long situation would continue – B offered applicant reception and therapist work but did not add up to 40 hours per week and included weekend shifts – Receptionist’s pay also less than therapist’s – Applicant unhappy with proposal as needed full time work and did not have access to childcare in weekends – B suggested applicant talk to senior management about redundancy – B claimed no authority to dismiss applicant and planned to talk to senior management about proposal – B claimed applicant was going to think about proposal – Applicant thought options were to either accept proposal or leave – General Manager of Marketing and Customer Service confirmed applicant could return to full duties if provided medical clearance – Applicant failed to provide medical clearance so respondent proceeded to dismiss applicant – Applicant claimed medically fit to work – Authority found applicant did indicate was need to manage risk of injury flaring up again – Found reasonable for B to put forward proposal – Applicant claimed proposal made on take it or leave it basis – Found B’s comment about redundancy did not turn situation into constructive dismissal or disadvantage grievance – Found premature for applicant to treat employment at end – No constructive dismissal or disadvantage grievance – Senior Beauty Therapist
Result Application dismissed ; Costs reserved
Main Category Personal Grievance
Number of Pages 5
PDF File Link: 2011_NZERA_Auckland_408.pdf [pdf 18 KB]