Family of dead caterer lose appeal over sacking
The parents of a catering manager who was found dead in his car only hours after being sacked have lost their industrial tribunal appeal against his dismissal.
The tribunal in Exeter ruled that 29-year-old Julian Shaw had been fairly dismissed from the Trelawne Manor Holiday Village at Looe, Cornwall, after he admitted to an internal disciplinary hearing that he borrowed £1,700 from his £4,000 float following threats about debt payments.
He was fired immediately for gross misconduct by general manager Matthew Sutton, and was found dead in his car the following day.
Shaw's parents took Trelawne's parent company, holiday firm Haven, to the tribunal complaining about the manner of the dismissal, which they believe led to their son taking the action he had. An inquest on the death is due to be held in Liskeard on 16 February.
A spokesman for Hemel Hempstead-based Haven said: "Having reviewed the situation, we maintain that Julian's case was handled in a sensitive manner and well within national employment laws and company guidelines. We are pleased the tribunal has endorsed this."