Woman trouble ends in tribunals

Woman trouble has landed the owner of the Ladyhill House hotel in Elgin, Scotland, with two industrial tribunal hearings for alleged unfair dismissal.

Three years ago, hotelier Jim Brown bought the New Market Bar, also in Elgin, Morayshire, for his long-time lover Sheila Smith to run. His staffing troubles started when Smith eloped with the pub's tattooed bouncer, Johnny Willets, in October. Brown promoted part-time barmaid Diane Robertson to the role of manager.

Last month, Brown successfully defended himself against allegations of breach of contract and constructive dismissal by Maisie Wiseman, who resigned after feeling slighted by Robertson's promotion.

Wiseman, who had hired both Robertson and the bouncer, claimed that she had been bar supervisor. But Brown told the tribunal that Wiseman had been head barmaid, not bar supervisor, and had been too hard on other staff. He added that her wages had been unaffected by the changes.

Brown will face a second tribunal this month when the bouncer's barmaid sister, Wendy Willets, will claim she was sacked by Brown as an act of revenge.