Preston lady wins battle against Constabulary mismanagement
7 June 2004
A former store keeper at Lancashire County Constabulary (LCC) has won an out-of-court settlement for constructive dismissal and work-related stress after she was wrongly accused of stock irregularities.
Following a 21-year unblemished record at LCC, 59-year-old Margaret Fallon fell foul of mismanagement by chiefs at the Hutton-based establishment.
Eventually, LCC agreed an out-of-court settlement for constructive dismissal in January 2002 and work-related stress only last week.
Mrs Fallon was appointed storekeeper for Printing & Stationery supplies after being reassigned to the Hutton HQ in 1997, following 14 years at the division on Lindle Lane, Hutton.
In April 2000, Margaret was unexpectedly hauled in front of a three-man disciplinary hearing comprising of her line manager, head of department and assistant to face charges relating to ‘discrepancies’ and stock receipts being wrong.
This impromptu hearing took place despite Margaret sharing the responsibility of stock control with another colleague, who was not called to the disciplinary hearing.
After consulting with the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) about her treatment, Margaret took leave later in April 2000 due to the stress incurred by the actions of her bosses. She only returned to alternative part time employment in November 2001.
Mrs Fallon, married with two children from Longton, said: “I’m delighted that this whole ordeal is over and a successful and just outcome has prevailed. I can now get on with my own life without any of this hanging over me.
“I’m glad it’s come to an end, so I can finally move on. I’m also very grateful to the legal help I received from Jane Booker and Sadiq Vohra at MWR Solicitors.”
The TGWU instructed its legal advisors, MWR Solicitors in Preston, to act on Mrs Fallon’s behalf for both a constructive dismissal and work-related stress claim.
Jane Booker, partner and personal injury lawyer, said: “Mrs Fallon’s case is an example of how mismanagement can devastate a person’s life. It has taken a considerable time for her to rebuild the confidence she once had and I am pleased that the matter has finally resolved in her favour.
“This should serve as a warning to organisations who think they can get away with bad management practice. It should also encourage workers who experience unfair treatment to alert the appropriate authorities and see that action is taken,” explained Jane.
In 1999, Mrs Fallon completed an internal appraisal where she was told she was performing well and the grading levels applying to her job were not to be altered.
Following the internal disciplinary over ‘discrepancies’ in April 2000, Mrs Fallon was subsequently subjected to a three-stage grievance procedure involving top ranking staff, eventually concluding in March 2001.
Mrs Fallon felt no alternative but to resign from her position in April 2001.
A letter of resignation and complaint from Mrs Fallon was sent to the then Chief Constable, Pauline Clare.
A week later, the Assistant Chief Constable David Brindle and the Head of HR at LCC visited Mrs Fallon at her home, expressing their regret at the events and offering for her to return to work.
A claim for constructive dismissal was made in July 2001 by MWR’s employment lawyer, Sadiq Vohra.
The tribunal never took place as LCC agreed an out-of-court settlement days before the hearing was due to take place.
In June last year, Jane Booker issued a civil claim for work-related stress. Again, LCC admitted negligence and agreed an out-of-court settlement with Mrs Fallon just days before the scheduled civil hearing last week.
