Driver's dismissal was reasonable
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Gilbraith driver abandoned vehicle on motorway
THE DISMISSAL of a lorry driver by the Lancashire road haulage firm, Henry Gilbraith Ltd, Altham, near Accrington, was justified it was held by the Manchester Regional Industrial Court last week.
The driver, Emmanuel Huddleston, 25 Highfield Road, Blackburn, claimed that he had been unfairly dismissed by the company on February 4, 1975.
The case was originally before the Court on April 17, 1975, when it was adjourned after Mr Huddleston had complained of being deaf, so that he could be represented.
He did not appear on the resumption and the chairman indicated that the Tribunal had had a message from a solicitor consulted by the applicant, but who had heard nothing from him since. In these circumstances the case would continue.
Mr Brian Hollenrake, transport director of Gilbraith, told the Tribunal that Huddleston had had both oral and written warnings previous to his dismissal concerning neglect of his vehicle. On February 4 this was abandoned, without notification to the police, on the northbound carriageway of M6.
He confirmed that a letter warning Huddleston had been sent in April, 1974, after a similar incident. At that time it was fully explained what procedures must be adopted. The transport manager, M. Eastwood, said that February 4 he was told F dleston's vehicle had bro down but they did not ki where or what was wrong. driver had said he had the police, but when Hudd ton was seen it was found had not been told and he dismissed on the spot. W mechanics went out to vehicle there was nod wrong except that it had out of fuel.