Dinner lady wins unfair dismissal case

Posted 06/01/2011

A school dinner lady has won her case for unfair dismissal at an employment law tribunal, it was announced today (January 6th 2011).

Carol Hill had stopped a group of boys from whipping an eight-year-old girl with a skipping rope in the playground of Great Tey primary school, Essex in June 2009.

Although the head dealt with the matter and told her parents about the “minor” incident, Ms Hill happened to mention it to them after a local Scouts meeting.

The school suspended Ms Hill from her post for being indiscreet and then sacked her a few weeks later after she spoke to a newspaper about the issue.

Ms Hill took her case to a tribunal because she believed the school had not followed proper procedures and had failed to investigate the original allegations.

A court has now ruled in her favour and it will be decided next month if she will be reinstated or receive compensation.

“I am delighted and very relieved that the tribunal found that I was unfairly dismissed. I have always had the welfare of the children in my care at heart,” Ms Hill commented.

Anyone who feels their employment was ended unfairly may be able to complain to an employment law tribunal.

It is advisable to seek the counsel of a solicitor, as such cases can often be difficult to resolve.