Legal Updates

Vorderman pay offer ''could represent constructive dismissal''

Date:  04 Aug 2008

A Welsh politician and Unison member claims an ordinary workers could claim unfair dismissal if issued with a 90 per cent pay-cut ultimatum such as that made to Countdown''s Carol Vorderman.

Plaid Cymru''s Ian Titherington says that under normal circumstances an employment tribunal would deem this as representing constructive dismissal, reports the Western Mail.

Referring to Ms Vorderman, he said it did not matter how much she earned – all employees should be treated with more dignity.

He added: "This is a very unprofessional way of getting rid of someone. It’s a shame they couldn’t be more honest with her.

The TV personality was believed to earn around £1 million per year for around 40 days work.

Her agent John Miles said she was given 48 hours to decide upon the "non-negotiable take-it-or-leave-it offer".

Carol Vorderman had worked on the flagship Channel 4 quiz show since its inception in 1982 and said she "was happy to continue doing the numbers and letters for years to come".

Lynne Burns is an employment law specialist working at Vizards Tweedie and dealing with all aspects of employment law

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