Spalding man who won an employment tribunal against Moulton car dealership is looking forward to fresh start

A car dealership manager who won an employment tribunal against his former employer is now looking forward to a fresh start.

Andrew Tunnicliff (38) had sold ‘everything’ to fund the case against Baytree Car Sales in High Road, Moulton, after giving 24 years of service to the firm.

Mr Tunnicliff had worked at the firm since he was a teenager and said that the late owner, Glen Manual, had been like a father to him.

He had been dismissed by text last year - but has been awarded £38,000 by Employment Judge Hutchinson in a report of the outcome of the November tribunal.The company disputes this and say they are considering an appeal.

Mr Tunnicliff said: “I am glad it is over and I am going to start a fresh. I glad it has come to an end so this year is like a fresh start. Last year was very tough.

“I am glad I won the case and it was proved.”

He began working for Mr Manual as a youngster and worked his way up to manager of the Moulton company.

But, in March 2022, he received a text from the owners dismissing him.

An employment tribunal in Lincoln heard claims from the company that Mr Tunnicliff was dismissed for gross misconduct following an investigation.

However, Mr Tunnicliff says he never had a single meeting or discussion about this and employment Judge Hutchinson came to the conclusion that notes and letters about the investigation may have been made up.

Mr Tunnicliff said he did not receive any pay for February or March, a letter of dismissal or a P45.

He said: “It was not a big decision to go to tribunal with how I was dealt with and treated.

“I had been with the company for 24 years to be treated how I was.

“I had to sell everything that I had built up over the 24 years.”

Mr Tunnicliff estimates that he had spent £22,500 to fund the tribunal case.

He had initially contacted the mediator ACAS for help and had struggled to find a firm of solicitors who would be willing to take his case on.

Mr Tunnicliff said: “I was close to walking away. It put a strain on my relationship and made me ill.

“I am glad have done it. Glen taught me never to back down and never walk away from anything.”

He is looking forward to a new job at motor dealership.