A former hotel manager launched a claim for constructive dismissal this week claiming she was forced to quit her job because of persistent bullying from a chairman of a Scottish Premier League football club.
Janet Meldrum, 61, of Greens Road, Stevenston, resigned from Park Hotel after a string of incidents involving Kilmarnock FC chairman Michael Johnston.
The four-star hotel, which is located next door to the Killies' Rugby Park stadium, is in fact owned by the club, and Ms Meldrum says Mr Johnston was a regular visitor.
She first submitted a grievance about him in 2008 because he was "nit picking" her work and undermining her.
Ms Meldrum described Mr Johnston's behaviour as akin to a headmaster. "I was starting to feel bullied and harassed. I am a senior member of management and he spoke to me like a five-year-old."
On one occasion, a new receptionist at the hotel wanted to check with her before displaying a mannequin wearing a Kilmarnock FC shirt. Mr Johnston allegedly told her that it did not matter what she had to say.
Ms Meldrum said: "He left me feeling useless. An absolute nothing. He was bullying his way through everything that I was doing. I have never been treated like this in anywhere I have worked."
She tried speaking to him about his conduct, but he just waved her away.
In November 2008, she felt so stressed out over the way things were going that she decided to go on sick leave. She told an employment tribunal in Glasgow that she never returned to work and eventually resigned because of the "breakdown in trust and confidence" in Mr Johnston.
Kilmarnock FC and the Park Hotel have denied Ms Meldrum's allegations. The hearing continues.
Links:
- Kilmarnock FC chairman accused of bullying hotel manager (STV)
- Constructive dismissal law (Findlaw.co.uk)
- Employment law Q&A (Community)
- Constructive dismissal law news (The Solicitor)
- Find an employment solicitor (Contact Law)
