A worker branded ‘Half-Dead Dave’ by ‘cruel’ bosses at Clarke’s Mechanical on the Isle of Wight has won £25,000 in an age discrimination claim.
David Robson, now 71, worked for Clarke’s Mechanical Limited as a plumber and gas fitter for 8 years. For many years, he had been referred to by his manager and others as ‘Half-Dead Dave’ because of his age.
Then, in 2020, Mr Robson was sacked with no warning and no consultation and with no issues with his work.
GMB Union helped Mr Robson to bring Employment Tribunal proceedings against the company. Now, following a 3-day hearing in Bristol, Mr Robson has won his claims of age discrimination and unfair dismissal.
The tribunal awarded David Robson just under £25,000 in compensation, which included £13,000 injury to feelings.
Mr Robson, who first qualified as a plumber 55 years ago, has said:
“I was obviously very disappointed to have been dismissed after working at Clarkes for years. I’m delighted to have received this compensation and am very grateful to GMB and their team of solicitors. It was wrong of the company to get rid of me because of my age and I’m glad I was able to seek justice.”
Emily Bradshaw, Solicitor and Partner at Pattinson & Brewer Solicitors, said:
“This judgment is important as it highlights the need for a fair and transparent process in redundancy situations.
“This is a clear example of a discriminatory employer who thought they could hide behind a sham process.
“This is a great result for the GMB member who showed great resilience and determination throughout a very difficult time in his life.”
Adrian Baker, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“This is a shocking case where the employer failed to comply with basic employment law standards, even giving him a cruel nickname.
“No procedure was followed and he was discriminated against because of his age.
“To make matters worse, after dismissing him, the company then advertised jobs which Mr Robson was qualified to do.
“UK Employment law is there for us all to respect and Isle of Wight employers are no exception.”
Well done Dave I’m glad you got the compensation and I remember you when you did some work at the Prison a really nice guy and nothing g like what they said ..pleased for you hun x
Here is a hard working man still willing to get up each day and work at the age of 71, when there are countless layabouts around half his age, who couldn’t cope with his schedule.
The owner of clarkes is about 50 years old – I guess his business will be taking a downturn now, after this disgusting attitude towards an employee because of his age.
Whilst Dave doesn’t mention the comments from colleagues about his age, they should have stopped if Dave felt offended by it.
They are known for their bullying and two woman in particular . Two members of my family have had personal experience . I’m so pleased this man took it further and won and I am even more pleased the y have finally been exposed and got their comeuppance. I have no time for vile behaviour from vile people.
We have used Clarkes twice.
Never again.
Prats
I bet the owner is no spring chicken
you got that right
i worked for them for 2 months but had to walk away as it was like working with a bunch of kids.
A small victory but a big impact. Well done Dave.
I’m glad he was a Union member, take note anyone that isn’t.
Good man well done !
This shows how important it is to be in a union. The wages most firms pay certainly wouldn’t cover the legal fees, but union membership does
Just made the Jeremy vine show on channel 5 today Friday.
Well, I wont be using Clarkes again, ever. Losers.