Labour Court recommends two weeks’ pay and reference for BWG Foods worker

The Labour Court recommended on 24 June 1998 that BWG Foods Limited pay a worker a lump sum equal to two weeks’ pay and provide a suitable reference after finding she was treated unfairly in her dismissal. The worker, a customer services co-ordinator on probation, said she was not given adequate notice of a disciplinary meeting or told clearly what allegations she had to answer. The company cited concerns about attendance, performance and workplace relationships. The Court found the company’s investigation procedures deficient: the worker had not received adequate advance notice or detail of the complaints, or enough time to prepare a defence. It also took account of the company’s ability to end her employment during probation.