£676 in cud note case
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• An owner-driver subaotracted to move containers for P&O Roadways who had "billocks mate" written by a member of Roadways staff on an i voice, has won £676 compensafon_ Crawley-based )avid Simmonds began workiiig for P&O Distribution (nowlcalled Roadways) out IA its Southampton depot last summer. When the payments he received were on average £100150 down on the amounts he expected, he completed an account query form.
But instead of an explanation, the form was retunied with the words "bollocks mat. and "shove it, the rate is correct" written on it. Simmonds decided he no longer wished to work for the company and when the payments failed to arrive, issued a County Court Summons for the money. Last week the court heard the case and decided in his favour.
A spokesman for Roadways says the comments were written by a junior accounts clerk who was about to leave the firm for Australia. The company has written to Simmonds apologis. ing for the wording describing it as "unprofessional, unhelpful and stupid". He says the dispute over payments was based on how the contract was worded.
Simmonds says the case shows other small hauliers the importance of getting a written contract and not being afraid to take on large companies