Woman gets $16k for unjustified dismissal

A woman has been awarded more than $16,000 after she was unjustifiably dismissed from her job, despite being employed for fewer than 90 days.

Nicole Schneider was employed by BBX Management Limited, now called Barter Management (NZ) Limited, in January last year as a receptionist and assistant until she was dismissed without a reason given on March 20.

The Employment Relations Authority said her dismissal in the course of a performance review without any warning her position was at risk was unjustifiable.

"The 90 trial period does not exempt an employer from the duty of providing the opportunity for an employee to be heard when dismissal is contemplated."

The company had carried out the dismissal in a manner which indicated a "total lack of good faith or fair process", the authority said.

It also said Ms Schneider had been "unjustifiably disadvantaged" in her employment through a lack of adequate training.

It ordered the company to give her 13 weeks pay totalling $7200, and $9000 compensation.

New legislation introduced last year gives employers the option of taking people on for trial periods of 90 days, with agreement from the employee, but with the option of dismissing them without legal repercussions, provided conditions are abided by.

- NZPA