In this case a tanker driver who accidentally spilled fuel on a garage forecourt was awarded £23,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal and was reinstated.

The claimant was employed by the respondent company as a tanker driver, delivering fuel to petrol and filling stations across the UK. He brought claims for unfair dismissal, automatic unfair dismissal, the unauthorised deduction from wages and breach of contract. The respondent accepted the claimant’s complaint in respect of holiday pay and in respect of an underpayment of the claimant’s pension contributions.

On 8 December 2015 an incident occurred which led to the claimant’s dismissal. The claimant arrived at the Tesco Chichester store on a dark and windy night. He began his usual checks,