Former Halesowen manager loses compensation claim against swanky pub (From Halesowen News)

Former Halesowen manager loses compensation claim against swanky pub

10:09am Thursday 9th August 2012 in News

A HALESOWEN former manager of a swanky Sutton Coldfield gastro pub has failed in his bid for compensation for unfair dismissal.

Guy Gavillett of Hasbury , made his compensation claim against Mitchells and Butlers Retail Ltd at Birmingham Employment Tribunal after being sacked from The Cock Inn, Wishaw.

Mr Gavillett, who had 12 years experience in the brewery trade, was promoted from assistant manager to general manager at the pub and was said to be a popular and well respected employee.

However, the pub was said to have experienced “significant problems” and the management demanded weekly stock checks.

Eventually when the checks were not being carried out as regularly as the brewery wished, Mr Gavillett was accused of being responsible, suspended and eventually dismissed.

Mr Gavillett had said at a previous hearing which had lasted three days, that an investigation by M&B had not been properly carried out and he had been unfairly dismissed.

The brewery had opposed Mr Gavillett’s compensation claim.

At the latest hearing tribunal judge Mr David James said that the case had been opened in June last year and that 397 pages of evidence had been heard.

“We were told that the management decided weekly stock checks should be carried out but it was discovered that Mr Gavillett had, allegedly, not complied with the decision,” said Mr James.

“It was said only seven checks had been done instead of the required 24 and the management complained there had been a breach of trust and confidence.”

Mr James said the respondents had accused Mr Gavillett of not providing them with the support they expected and he said the tribunal decision was that Mr Gavillett’s compensation for unfair dismissal had failed.

Mr Gavillett had earlier made another compensation claim for breach of contract involving the non payment of a bonus.

But the claim was withdrawn after it was explained that the bonus payment had been discretionary.