Mr N Francis – McGann v West Atlantic UK Limited [2018]

The claimant applied for a pilot position with the respondent airline operator and was successful. He was trained and then commenced work as a Captain. It was undisputed that he had lied on his application form about his previous work experience, but he had also provided a false reference. The referee purported to be ‘Desilijic Tiure’ which is actually the alternative name of Jabba the Hut, a character from Star Wars.

The claimant sought three months’ notice pay and the respondent counterclaimed for recovery of his training costs which totalled £4725. The claimant had signed an agreement stating that these costs would be repayable if a pilot leaves within the first six months of his