July 06, 2010
A former machine operator has been awarded more than £10,000 in unfair dismissal compensation after being sacked for swearing at his foreman.
Keith Bodman spent 16-years “without incident” at South Wales’ Yuasa battery plant but claimed his four letter expletive was unfairly dealt with by management, as other colleagues were just given written warnings when and if they swore.
Bad language was apparently “commonplace” in the male-dominated factory and, while Mr Bodman was “not proud” of his actions, he was “shocked” by his suspension and eventual sacking.
“I never thought I would end up losing my job, especially as colleagues had only been given written warnings for using worse language in the past,” said the 45-year-old.
According to Mr Bodman’s union, Yuasa has a “culture of foul language” and the punishment dealt to the sacked worker, who swore after questions into his private life, was unjust when compared to fellow colleagues and union members.
“The employer used what was unfortunately common in the workplace as an excuse to dismiss Mr Bodman,” ruled South Wales Coordinating Officer, Bryan Godsell. “There was clear evidence that other employees had been treated less harshly in the past and, given his clean work record, Mr Bodman should have been treated in the same way.”
While a spokesman denied the firm singled out Mr Bodman, Yuasa Battery (UK) Ltd settled an undisclosed five-figure sum out of court following his legal challenges.
