Michael Patton v Blondtrepeneur Ltd t/a Made in Belfast [2016]

This case involved damage to a shutter on the premises of the respondent and the decision to make a deduction from the claimant’s wage to cover the costs. The claimant’s contract contained a specific provision permitting a deduction if the he acts in a negligent manner. The respondent instructed a Human Resources Consultant to investigate the matter.

There were material differences in the factual accounts of the claimant and two other employees who appeared to implicate the claimant and suggested he caused the damage arising from a ‘practical joke’. Written statements were taken from these employees. However, the investigation was concluded without affording the claimant a chance to comment