Worker fired by text awarded $14k compensation

The woman was awarded compensation after being fired from her job by text. Photo / Thinkstock

A worker who was fired by text message has been awarded more than $14,000 in lost wages and compensation.

Tara Hansen was employed in October last year by KC Contractors (HB) Ltd, a painting and decorating business in Hawkes Bay.

She was employed to work 42 hours a week at $17 an hour.

In November she received a text message from company director Kyle Clay ending her employment by saying the following day would be her last day of work.

Ms Hansen asked to discuss the matter but received no more information from Mr Clay, who she could not reach by phone.

KC Contractors did not take part in the authority's investigation or respond to requests for documents.

The Employment Relations Authority found a reasonable employer could not have acted in such a way.

KC Contractors did not discuss any concerns with Ms Hansen, did not give her the opportunity to comment and did not genuinely consider her explanation.

The authority said Ms Hansen was distraught when she received the text, her mood and confidence changed, and she was stressed over the loss of wages.

She was awarded 13 weeks' lost wages, amounting to $9282, and $5000 for humiliation, loss of dignity and injury to feelings.

The company was also ordered to pay $1695 costs.