GMB union are preparing a tribunal case for a member who was dismissed from a company run by his own mother, calling the dismissal ‘unfair.’
Oliver Clark was employed by Portsmouth-based Biscoes Solicitors for four years and was days away from completing a two-year IT apprenticeship when he was dismissed.
The member alleges bullying and discriminatory behaviour towards him on a daily basis, before his on-the-spot dismissal which was carried out without warning, explanation and without legal obligations being followed.
He also failed in an attempt to appeal the decision to dismiss and his multiple grievances, which he claims he was under pressure from the company to withdraw.
Nicola Nixon, GMB Regional Organiser, says:
“As we have worked through this case with the member, the actions of such a well-established firm of solicitors have frankly appalled the GMB.
“The Biscoes website clearly states that they pride themselves in providing a professional approach, in a friendly environment, and yet not only did they treat Oliver badly in his time there, they then breached data protection laws by sharing his information with a third party without his consent, which is worrying considering the amount of information they securely hold for clients.
“I’ve seen enough in my time as a Union organiser to know that a company’s professional façade can cover up any number of poor work practices and actions, however even I was shocked to find out one of the senior managing directors Alison Lee is in fact our dismissed member's mother.
“This process has left our member feeling hurt and bewildered that his own mother could treat him in this manner.
“I’ve known some cold and callous actions by employers in the past, but this is by far the worst I’ve ever seen.
“GMB are in no doubt that the member has been unfairly dismissed and we will be exploring his legal options.”
