Jennifer Walley, the equality officer for the NUJ’s Manchester branch, was a senior communications manager at the airport until her suspension (in May that year) and subsequent dismissal.

However, the tribunal revealed that she was not the sole author of these plans and had “merely liaised with others” in their preparation.

When her suspension was then covered in the Manchester Evening News and Blackpool Gazette it was then alleged that she had provided information to reporters, leading to further disciplinary action, and her eventual dismissal.

It was also alleged that Walley had appeared as the NUJ contact in a critical piece about the airport that had appeared in Socialist Worker.

She denied any knowledge of this article and stressed that she had not provided information to journalists working for the two regional papers.

A further claim that she had encouraged fellow members of staff to join the NUJ was contested.

Not such a warm welcome for Walley

Bosses, the judges ruled, had “shifted the goalposts” with regard to her disciplinary procedure and the appeal process that followed this was “flawed.”

As a result Walley was awarded a basic award of £4,200 plus £13,577 compensation and £8,000 for injury to feelings.

NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear called this “a significant victory”, adding that Walley was “courageous” and had “exposed the failings and falsehoods of those who sought to tarnish her reputation.”

When contacted by How-Do to respond to the ruling Manchester Airport released the following brief statement:

“Manchester Airports Group is very surprised by the judgement of the employment tribunal and we are currently considering our options one of which may include appealing against the decision.”

Walley, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, had a further claim of discrimination on the grounds of disability rejected. 

Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!

Comments (3)