AN EMPLOYMENT tribunal has upheld six allegations against a Yarmouth Harbour employee relating to a violation of harbour rules and regulations.

Jeremy Butcher, known locally as Jez, was subsequently sacked two days after his wife's funeral following a lengthy disciplinary process.

A final judgement has been made against Mr Butcher after which both parties settled the dispute and Mr Butcher withdrew his claim against the harbour.

Due to a procedural error at the original appeal hearing, the tribunal was compelled to make a finding of unfair dismissal.

Originally Mr Butcher's basic and compensatory awards were reduced by 85 per cent as a result of his conduct.

But the harbour applied for a reconsideration of the original judgement, because it believed the reduction in compensation did not reflect the likelihood that Mr Butcher was fairly dismissed.

Judge Maxwell agreed to reconsider the original decision, and reduced Mr Butcher's compensatory award by 85 per cent "to reflect the prospect that Mr Butcher would have been fairly dismissed in any event" and a further 25 per cent to reflect his contributory conduct.

In addition, the Judge also reduced Mr Butcher's basic award by 85 per cent to again reflect his contributory conduct.

Yarmouth harbourmaster, Tim Adams, said: "This was an unfortunate situation however, I am satisfied the harbour has acted entirely appropriately in accordance with both employment law and harbour law, which is reflected in the tribunal's judgement.

"The matter is settled, the claim has been withdrawn and the proceedings will be dismissed in due course.

"The judgement is a matter of public record and can be found online."

 

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