Maxwell's ducks tribunal on constructive dismissal claim

A Waitress who was due to claim constructive dismissal from Maxwell's restaurant in London's Covent Garden was this week negotiating a settlement with the restaurant.

Melanie Wray worked at the restaurant for three-and-a-half years from August 1993 and intended to allege at an industrial tribunal on Monday that working conditions were difficult and that, when she joined the Transport and General Workers Union, she was put under pressure to resign.

She also made several other allegations about what happened after she joined the union, concerning changes to her shift patterns and tips. It is believed that Maxwell's denies these allegations, although the restaurant refused to comment.

Despite her suggestion that pressure was put on her to resign, Ms Wray ultimately walked out of the job of her own accord, resulting in the constructive dismissal claim.

The restaurant was last week negotiating a settlement with the union, acting on Ms Wray's behalf. Maxwell's was believed to be offering a cash settlement but not accepting Ms Wray's allegations.

Ms Wray initially wanted reinstatement, but now has another job and said last week that what she had most wanted from her former employer was an apology.