Unauthorised beach holiday

author: FutureCar Staff    

A used car dealer named Gary Maloney took an unauthorized beach holiday, thinking his bosses would never find out. However, he had an unexpected encounter with one of his employers, Robert Griffin, in a bar in Portugal.

Maloney's absence left the staff at Bill Griffin Motors in a difficult situation. The mystery of his whereabouts was quickly solved when he ran into Robert Griffin in the bar in Albufeira on the Algarve.

As a result of the incident, Maloney left the car dealer and has now taken the firm to an employment tribunal, claiming that he was unfairly dismissed.

During the tribunal, it was revealed that Maloney had initially requested time off for the week of October 10, 2022, but was told by sales director David Griffin that all staff were needed at the dealership for a family wedding. Maloney claimed that he didn't receive a clear answer and was told, "Ah, it should be okay."

The dealership denied this version of events and stated that Maloney left behind numerous bookings and leads without any explanation. David Griffin mentioned that they received complaints and even lost a €60,000 sale of a Volvo XC90 that Maloney had sold.

Although the firm had no idea where Maloney was, his chance encounter with Robert Griffin in the bar revealed his location. Maloney nervously asked if David Griffin was present and mimed a "hiding gesture." The two even took a selfie together, which was later shared with the rest of the staff.

David Griffin chose not to address the issue during the family wedding and instead confronted Maloney when he returned to work the following Monday. Senior sales executive David Fleming also questioned Maloney about his absence.

Maloney denied verbally resigning and claimed that he was unfairly sacked by the firm. He stated that Fleming angrily asked him where he had been, but Maloney argued that Fleming already knew because he had seen the photo. Maloney said he was told to go home and leave the laptop on the premises, with the promise that David Griffin would contact him upon his return.

Maloney added that Fleming had expressed such strong feelings about the incident that he said, "If he [Dave Griffin] does come and offer your job back, it's either you or me."

Fleming disputed Maloney's version of events and stated that he didn't have the authority to fire him. The employment tribunal was adjourned for further submissions, and a ruling will be given at a later date.

FutureCar Staff