Legal News
Cornwall Vet Wins Unfair Dismissal Case (20 October 2011)
Date: 20/10/2011
A vet has successfully won an unfair dismissal case against Cornwall Animal Ambulance and Hospital. Matt Thomas was sacked by the charity citing breach of trust. Mr. Thomas was responsible for circulating a letter from the Charity Commission that claimed that some trustees and members had been wrongly removed. An industrial tribunal into Mr. Thomas’ sacking ruled that the charity had unfairly dismissed Mr. Thomas in February over making public disclosures. The Charity Commission has launched an investigation into the constitution of the animal hospital following both sides claiming that different constitutions were legally applicable.
Mr. Thomas was appointed to the hospital in November 2010. The hospital was run by three executive trustees. Mr. Thomas claimed that he was aware that other trustees had been removed by these three executives but was assured that the move was legal. Shortly following taking up his post, Mr. Thomas found that the Charity Commission did not agree. When Mr. Thomas attempted to disclose the identities of the trustees, he was ordered by Mr. Chalker, the charity’s treasurer, to pay no attention to the Charity Commission.
Mr. Thomas sent copies of correspondence from Mr. Chalker to those he believed to be the legitimate six trustees, including those whom the treasurer claimed had been struck off. Mr. Thomas also sent copies of the correspondence to the Charity Commission. Mr. Thomas was then summoned to attend a disciplinary meeting before being sacked just five days later for a breach of trust. An industrial tribunal ruled in favour of Mr. Thomas.
Duncan Lewis’ employment law solicitors are able to competently represent clients who have been unfairly dismissed.