Unfair dismissal compensation for Portsmouth F.C. employees

Beleaguered ex-Premier League club Portsmouth F.C. has been ordered to pay former employees £100,000 in compensation after they were unfairly dismissed during the club’s recent administration shake-up.

The nine employees compensated, who ranged from retail managers to club scouts, claimed the club failed to uphold a 30-day consultation period before dismissing them.

Seven of the claimants filed for unfair dismissal, with five of those also demanding “protective awards”, equal to 90 day’s wages that can be claimed following the club’s failure to uphold the consultation period.

Southampton Employment Tribunal Judge Richard Byrne ordered the club to pay each worker between £3,941 and £29,538.

However, the claimants now face a battle to recover that money as Portsmouth are still in administration.

Nigel Baker, who has been unable to find employment since this season’s difficulties began, was the club’s Warehouse Manger, overseeing merchandise and player kits. He was told he could claim £18,980 for unfair dismissal and almost £7,000 in protective awards, but feels “nothing makes up for losing your job”.

“At the end of the day I would rather have a job than have to go through this. I think it's a shame. I think just being treated with a bit more dignity would have helped.”

In total, 85 employees were made redundant by Portsmouth F.C. in March this year, much like countless employees affected by the recession’s bite over the past few years.

If you’ve been unfairly dismissed as a result of your company’s redundancy procedures, employment law solicitors are here to fight your corner and claim back any money rightfully owed.