Former Little Chef manager wins unfair dismissal claim

A former manager at roadside caterer Little Chef has won his claim for unfair dismissal against his former employer.

Paul Vanderwall was a retail development manager at the caterer looking after 11 sites in West Midlands area when he was dismissed for gross misconduct in September 2006.

Although Vanderwall had been corresponding with Little Chef co-owner Simon Heath about an appeal, as was his right under grievance procedures, the collapse of the firm on 3 January 2007 and the subsequent fire-sale of assets led to this being overlooked.

An employment tribunal agreed Vanderwall had been denied his right to appeal at a hearing, and awarded £6,500 compensation.

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The hearing was uncontested by Little Chef administrator PricewaterhouseCoopers.