Coventry Law Centre wins compensation claim

On 31st July, the Coventry Telegaph reported that a woman whose Coventry-based child nursery has gone into voluntary liquidation was facing a £6,340 compensation claim by a sacked nurse.

A Birmingham employment tribunal decided Amanda Faulknall, who ran Magic Roundabout Nursery in Brandon Road, Coventry, should compensate Natalie Fletcher, of Binley, Coventry.

Ms Faulknall of Ferndale Road, Hinckley, did not attend the tribunal hearing, which decided that Miss Fletcher had been unfairly dismissed and was entitled to unpaid wages and holiday pay.

Miss Fletcher, who was represented by Elaine Hill of Coventry Law Centre, had been employed by a previous management at the nursery. When Ms Faulknall took over Miss Fletcher complained she was sacked without reason.

Her job was later advertised but the business had since gone into voluntary liquidation it was said.

Miss Faulknall was accused of dismissing Miss Fletcher without carrying out the correct disciplinary and dismissal procedure under the Employment Rights Act.

Tribunal chairman Mr David Dimbylow said the £6,340 award included a 50 per cent “penalty’’ uplift for the Employment Rights Act breach. He said Ms Faulknall was responsible for the award but he could not guarantee Miss Fletcher getting her money. Tribunals can make awards but do not have the power to enforce payment, it was said.

A tribunal spokesman said Miss Fletcher could claim the £6,340 in county court, using the tribunal judgment as a backing.

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