Driver losing job for alleged alcohol abuse is awarded £17,000 compensation

A driver and fridge installer who lost his job following an alleged complaint he was smelling of alcohol has been awarded more than £17,000 compensation.

An employment tribunal ruled that Paul Hill, from East Kilbride, was unfairly dismissed as his employers did not follow proper disciplinary procedures. Bond Retail Services Ltd had denied Mr Hill was sacked, instead claiming he had resigned from his post but the tribunal discounted the company and manager John Docherty's evidence.

Mr Hill was one of four drivers who drove seven and a half tonne trucks delivering Coca-Cola containers. The tribunal heard he had been summoned to a meeting with Mr Docherty following a complaint about a smell of alcohol from him from Superdrug in Darlington after he had delivered an order there.

Mr Hill told Mr Docherty he had celebrated his father's 65th birthday the evening before and had had a few drinks. He said he was told to take the next day off and not to worry about anything. But the tribunal heard Mr Docherty phoned the following day and advised him to return the company phone. When asked if he was being sacked, Mr Docherty said he had no choice.

Mr Docherty told the tribunal Mr Hill came to him at the end of his shift and told him he intended to resign without notice. But tribunal chairman Alan Worthing said he found Mr Docherty's evidence "quite incredible" adding he found it hard to believe someone would leave a £440 a week job for unemployment. He added: "It frankly makes no sense and nor did Mr Docherty's evidence."

Mr Hill was awarded a total of £17,270 for his unfair dismissal and a further £260 in unpaid holidays.

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