Farmworker awarded thousands for unfair dismissal

An experienced farmworker was dismissed after the sheep he was responsible for were found in poor condition, with some dead animals left unattended. However, an employment tribunal ruled that his dismissal was unfair, awarding him £18,350 in compensation.

Employment judge Ian Miller found that despite concerns about Andy Storrie’s handling of livestock, including incidents where sheep were infested with maggots, his employer, BHE Agricultural Contractors Ltd, failed to follow proper dismissal procedures.

There was no investigation, and Mr Storrie, who earned £625 a week, was not given the opportunity to present his side or appeal the decision.

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Mr Storrie had worked for the Helmsley-based company since 2012 and managed livestock at Lambshill Farm in Strensall, North Yorkshire.

By 2020, his annual appraisal indicated he was struggling, with reports of lambs in poor condition, inadequate feeding, and issues with animal management.

In 2022, several lambs and sheep died, and by the following year company boss Simon Dunn noted that “things must change”.

On 24 August last year, Mr Dunn discovered more sheep in poor condition and some dead animals. After a heated exchange, Mr Dunn decided to dismiss Mr Storrie the next day, stating, “My sheep can’t take any more, Andy. We will have to call it a day.”

No appeal

Mr Storrie was not allowed to appeal and later moved out of his tied house.

In his ruling on 2 August, while the judge acknowledged that there was a 70% chance Mr Storrie would have been dismissed had proper procedures been followed, the lack of a fair process led to the conclusion of unfair dismissal.

As a result, Mr. Storrie received compensation, though the amount was reduced from £24,242.70 to £18,351.56 after deductions due to the likelihood of a justifiable dismissal.

BHE Agricultural Contractors Ltd chose not to comment on the case to Farmers Weekly.