UK Government urged to intervene in case of sacked postie

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Fife MP is urging the UK Government to intervene in the case of a postman sacked over allegations of theft.

Industrial action has already taken place over the issue in Cupar, Fife, but strikes could spread further afield as more than 2500 workers are to be balloted over further action.

If the posties vote to strike in support of their former colleague David Mitchell, much of central Scotland, Edinburgh and the Lothians will be affected.

The Communications and Workers Union (CWU) said it expects a "resounding yes" from members.

Mr Mitchell delivered in Cupar for 27 years but Royal Mail is refusing to reinstate him after accusing him of theft - an allegation he vehemently denies.

The 57-year-old took his former bosses to an employment tribunal, winning £57,000 in compensation and lost earnings.

Judge Ian McFatridge also ordered the postal service to reinstate Mr Mitchell, twice, as he said there were no reasonable grounds for his sacking but the company is refusing, saying "the trust between employee and employer has completely broken down".

Mr Mitchell's MP Stephen Gethins has now lodged a motion at Westminster calling on the government to intervene.

The motion states: "That this House notes Royal Mail's dismissal of postman David Mitchell; further notes that since his dismissal two subsequent tribunal hearings have found in favour of Mr Mitchell and that he was unfairly dismissed; is disappointed in Royal Mail's failure to reinstate Mr Mitchell and respect employment legislation but notes the support that he has received from his colleagues at the Royal Mail delivery office in Cupar and people across north east Fife, and calls on the Government to make representations to the Royal Mail about David Mitchell's case and respecting the decisions of the judicial rulings."

Mr Gethins added: "This is question of fairness. There's now been two court rulings in Mr Mitchell's favour and Royal Mail need to respect that."

If the motion to strike is passed, CWU members in Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Borders, Fife and central Scotland are expected to strike.

The postal service said it will not back down and it has strong grounds for suspecting Mr Mitchell of wrongdoing.

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: "Following an investigation Royal Mail considered there to be reasonable grounds to suspect wrongdoing in relation to test postal items and Mr Mitchell was dismissed.

"We will not reinstate Mr Mitchell as we believe that the trust between employee and employer has completely broken down.

"As we feel unable to reinstate Mr Mitchell, the judge ordered Royal Mail to pay additional compensation, which Mr Mitchell has now received. The legal proceedings have now concluded."

Mr Mitchell has thanked his supporters and said: "I'm hoping the guys see the bigger picture and come out in support of me. If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone."