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A postie of nearly 30 years has been sacked after he delivered a parcel late by one minute.
Robert Lockyer, from Kent in England, had worked for the nation’s postal service Royal Mail for 28 years when he was dismissed for “gross misconduct” in October last year.
Mr Lockyer was delivering a special delivery item to a bank, which was guaranteed to be at the premises by 1pm, but was made to wait in line with customers, Kent Live reported.
Arriving at 12.56pm, he only managed to get a signature for the parcel at 1.01pm.
Mr Lockyer appealed the decision but an employment tribunal dismissed his claim of unfair dismissal.
Robert Lockyer (left) was dismissed after delivering a parcel (right is a stock image) one minute late. Source: Communications Union / Getty Images, file
The tribunal noted the incident was the final straw for Mr Lockyer’s employers following a series of warnings over his previous conduct while working.
He was even told at one point any further incident would “lead to your dismissal”.
But Communication Workers Union outdoor secretary Mark Baulch slammed the decision to uphold the dismissal.
“This is probably one of the most outrageous dismissals by Royal Mail and Tribunal verdict I’ve ever heard about,” he said.
“Make no mistake, this union is appealing this decision legally and, in the meantime, we’ll also be taking up this case with the company at the highest possible level.”
Speaking after the decision, Mr Lockyer said he was “bitterly upset” over his treatment.
“I can’t believe what has happened to me – all I wanted to do was to do my job,” he said.
“I really hope the union can make this right. I just want to get back to work.”
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