A driver who lost his job after a supplier complained that he smelled of alcohol has been awarded £17,270 for unfair dismissal.
Paul Hill was sacked by delivery firm Bond Retail Services after a client said he could smell alcohol on his breath.
When Hill was questioned by John Docherty, his manager, Hill said he had celebrated his father’s 65th birthday the evening before with a few drinks.
Hill was told to take the next day off, the tribunal heard, but when he returned to work, Docherty told him he had “no choice” but to fire him, BBC News reports.
A Scottish employment tribunal found that the company had not followed suitable disciplinary procedures by investigating the complaint.
Docherty told the tribunal Hill had said he intended to resign without notice.
But tribunal chairman Alan Worthing said he found Docherty’s evidence surprising.
“It frankly makes no sense and nor did Mr Docherty’s evidence,” he said.
Hill was awarded a total of £17,270 for unfair dismissal, and an additional £260 in unpaid holidays.
