Bay boss fined for firing over text message

KC Contractors director Kyle Clay declined to comment about firing one of his employees via text message. Photo / HBT.

A Hastings businessman who fired a worker by text message has been ordered to pay more than $14,000 in lost wages and compensation.

The abrupt dismissal was instigated in November last year by KC Contractors (HB) Ltd director Kyle Clay, who sent a text ending the employment of Tara Hansen, who was employed in October.

Ms Hansen worked in the painting and decorating business 42 hours a week at $17 an hour.

In the text Mr Clay ended her employment by saying the following day would be her last day of work.

Ms Hansen asked to discuss the matter but received no more information from her employer, who she could not reach by phone.

The Employment Relations Authority found a reasonable employer could not have acted in such a way.

When approached by Hawke's Bay Today last night Mr Clay declined to comment on the case and said he would be seeking further legal advice.

KC Contractors did not take part in the authority's investigation or respond to requests for documents.

The company did not discuss any concerns with Ms Hansen and did not give her the opportunity to comment.

The authority said Ms Hansen was distraught when she received the text, her mood and confidence changed, and she was stressed over the loss of wages.

She was awarded 13 weeks' lost wages, amounting to $9282, and $5000 for humiliation, loss of dignity and injury to feelings.

KC Contractors was also ordered to pay $1695 costs.