Family feud over £127 notice pay (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Family feud over £127 notice pay

9:42am Wednesday 1st July 2009

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A Droitwich carer’s compensation claims against her great aunt ended in acrimony at a Birmingham employment tribunal as the young, pregnant woman was awarded £127 notice pay.

Conflict between the aunt, Kath Ekiz, and Kelly Sayers, of Hunter’s Place, Droitwich, broke out as they left the tribunal court room.

Earlier, tribunal chairman Ron Ashton said it had been a pity the family matter had been brought to the tribunal and added it should have been resolved out of court.

Miss Sayers, who is expecting a baby in seven weeks, had been engaged to help look after Mrs Ekiz’s 22-year-old disabled daughter on a part-time basis at Mrs Ekiz’s Worcester home.

Miss Sayers was paid from a trust fund formed to look after the daughter, it was said.

But Miss Sayers complained she was unfairly dismissed without notice as a carer by Mrs Ekiz after revealing she was pregnant.

Miss Sayers made compensation claims for one week’s notice pay and unpaid holiday money.

She said she had been advised over making the claims by Droitwich Citizens Advice Bureau.

Mrs Ekiz opposed the claims.

Mr Ashton said Miss Sayers holiday pay claim had not been proved and was dismissed but he approved the notice pay claim and awarded her £127.

Mrs Ekiz replied : “That’s fine but you will have to wait for your money.”

Employment tribunals cannot enforce the payment of awards but Mr Ashton reminded Miss Sayers that she could seek county court action to claim the £127 if Mrs Ekiz had not paid it within six weeks.

Conflict broke out between the two parties in the corridors of the tribunal shortly after the case finished.

A tribunal spokesman said later the county court action could involve bailiffs attending Mrs Ekiz’s home to seize goods to pay the award.

Miss Sayers said afterwards: “It’s a pity it has come to this – it was a matter of principle.”

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