UK business secretary urged to intervene in case of sacked postman

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://news.stv.tv/tayside/1339601-call ... ed-postie/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

A Fife MP has called for the UK business and enterprise secretary to intervene in the case of a postman sacked over allegations of theft.

Stephen Gethins has written to Anna Soubry MP after dozens of posties staged a second 24-hour strike in Cupar in a show of support for their long-serving colleague David Mitchell.

The 57-year-old postman had worked for Royal Mail for 27 years until he was sacked over the allegation, which he claims is completely untrue.

Mr Mitchell 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 the belief he had stolen mail - but it has failed to do so.

His colleagues went on strike on Monday amid reports it could spread to other offices in Fife and wider Scotland.

In his letter to Ms Soubry, the North East Fife MP wrote: "I am writing on behalf of a constituent, David Mitchell, who was dismissed by Royal Mail in December 2014.

"Two employment tribunal judgments have found in his favour yet Royal Mail is still refusing to reinstate him.

"The situation has resulted in two strikes by postal workers in Cupar in the last month.

"This is quite simply an issue of fairness: will you, as the minister responsible for Royal Mail, look into this case as a matter of urgency?

"No one wants disruption to mail services but I can completely sympathise with Mr Mitchell's position and I'm sure you will understand the frustration he must feel."

Mr Gethins also sent Ms Soubry a copy of the second court judgement.


Mr Mitchell is also being backed the Communications Workers Union (CWU), which says Royal Mail failed to properly investigate the theft allegations.

During the tribunal, the judge heard Mr Mitchell's delivery van, personal car, home and items of clothing were searched by investigators.

It came after items of mail were reported missing on his round, but no trace of the items were found.

The striking workers are demanding Mr Mitchell is reinstated to his previous job.

After Monday's strike, a spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: "Royal Mail is disappointed that the CWU has again taken strike action at Cupar Delivery Office today.

"Royal Mail continues to work with our trade union and people locally to resolve this issue and we apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

[calum1502]

Great news that the local MP has taken this up and publicsied this scandalous injustice.
However I doubt very much if a Conservative Business Secretary will have the decency to do anything about it .
Hopefully the CWU nationally will not let this get kicked in to the long grass .

[Surreypostie]

A stitch up, this could happen to anyone.

[datasaint]

The 27 years he served must count for something.

Just goes to show, you should never leave yourself open to accusation in this job. Plenty posties out there who'll doorstep items and sign for customers, thinking they're doing their customers a favour, but should anything go missing it's your name in question and it could potentially be used against you later on.

[Surreypostie]

I think the 27 years is the main thing, no evidence according to reports, 2 judges rule he has been treated badly and RM say he is a thief. Anything to get rid of long standing staff on long contracts. None of us know the full facts, in this country you are innocent until proven guilty so he is innocent.