Tribunal chairman's "reprehensible" conduct
17 Dec 04
Sheriff in air-rage case attacked for employment tribunal decision
The advocate charged in connection with an alleged air-rage incident on a flight from Edinburgh to Stornoway while serving as a part time sheriff, has been severely criticised for his chairing of an employment tribunal.
Dr Raj Jandoo's conduct was described as "wholly reprehensible" by the employment appeal tribunal chaired by Lord Johnston, who allowed an appeal by George Kirk & Sons, butchers in Denny, against an award in favour of their former employee Celine Moody. Ms Moody had complained of being made redundant while off sick.
The business complained that after asking for written submissions, Dr Jandoo had failed to attend a hearing on compensation, that no further date had been set, and that four months later a decision had been issued without further reference to the parties. They also complained that their position had been misrepresented in the decision and that it was impossible to work out how the tribunal had calculated its award.
The appeal tribunal described the procedure followed as "fundamentally flawed" and remitted the case to be heard again by a different tribunal.