A female employee has been awarded £3000 in compensation after being unfairly made redundant whilst on maternity leave.
Mrs Kelsall had worked at Mount Nurseries for nine years. Whilst she was on maternity leave, her employer decided to reduce the number of employees as trade had reduced. This is a valid reason for making redundancies, however, employers have to follow proper consultation procedures before making any employees redundant. Employees on maternity leave must still be consulted and included in the redundancy process.
The employer decided either Mrs Kelsall or another employee would be made redundant. The employer chose Mrs Kelsall.
Mrs Kelsall claimed to have suggested a job-share scheme with the other selected employee to avoid a redundancy, but this idea was apparently rejected.
The Employment Tribunal found that Mrs Kelsall had been unfairly dismissed and she was awarded just over £3000 in compensation.
If you feel you have been unfairly selected for redundancy or have experienced problems returning to work after maternity leave, please call Ashley Hunt, Vaishali Thakerar or Carrie-Ann Randall on 0116 212 1000 now or complete one of the on-line forms.
