The manager of a Scottish supermarket has told an employment tribunal that he was unfairly dismissed for selling biscuits that were four weeks past their sell-by date.
Terry Lappin was dismissed from his post as manager of the Scottish Midland Co-operative Society’s Motherwell store and is seeking compensation for unfair dismissal. The case revolves around Lappin’s decision to sell four tins of Rover biscuits at the lower price of £1.49 (US$2.18) once they were past their sell-by date.
Lappin said he opened one tin and found the contents to be acceptable, so put the four remaining tins on display. Crucially, he removed the cellophane wrappers, which included the best-before date.
It was a decision that would cost him his job. Representing his employer, regional business manager Kevin Lowe told the tribunal that removing the best-before date was not acceptable practice. The hearing continues.
