By Salma El-Sakka
A cook at a renowned fish and chip shop in the Scottish Highlands has been awarded £34,312.89 in compensation after an employment tribunal found she was constructively and unfairly dismissed following a series of communication failures.
Alcohol licence transfer
Elizabeth Booth, who had long held the alcohol licence at La Mirage Restaurant in Helmsdale, Sutherland, saw the licence transferred into owner Haydar Baran’s name without consultation after he acquired the business. The tribunal found this undermined her position and standing among colleagues.
Scampi contamination incident
In 2024, Booth discovered frozen flies in a box of scampi and reported it to Baran. Although the contaminated scampi was removed and the supplier notified, the investigation was not documented or communicated adequately. The tribunal ruled that Booth reasonably feared the contaminated product would be cooked and sold.
Mayonnaise miscommunication
In 2025, Booth was told a damaged mayonnaise delivery had been binned, but later learned it had been decanted into tubs and used in food preparation. The tribunal found inaccurate information had been communicated.
Mushy peas confusion and resignation
On May 24, 2025, Booth walked out after a miscommunication about a new policy to serve repeat customers first, which she had not been informed of. The tribunal found this diminished her authority.
Tribunal ruling
Employment Judge Robert Phillips said the cumulative effect of the incidents constituted a fundamental breach of the employment relationship. Booth’s claims of constructive and unfair dismissal and failure to provide written particulars were upheld, resulting in the compensation award, mainly for loss of earnings.
