Compass defiant as 'scapegoat' chef runs to GMB

Virgilio Teixira was, according to GMB, unfairly dismissed from his £20,000 a year job as Head Chef on 31st July. In a statement Compass Group said: " We can confirm that on 23rd July (2008) there was a disciplinary hearing following the allegation that our Head Chef, Virgilio Teixira, left the premises on 29th June 2008 without due care to the needs of the business and without ensuring the correct staffing was in place to cover for the late shift. "During the disciplinary hearing Mr Teixira confirmed that he understood his responsibilities included the control of the kitchen and ensuring that the kitchen and its staff were adequately covered. "In addition Mr Teixira confirmed that he had not contacted the Executive Chef or the General Manager to advise them that his shift replacement had not arrived nor did he request any assistance to ensure the kitchen was fully staffed and the replacement shift covered, leaving an inexperienced chef, without support." GMB today said that Mr Teixira, by prior arrangement, had to get home to look after his three children so that his wife could to go to work. He has been employed at the hotel by catering contractor Compass since 2003 and GMB members are now planning protests for his reinstatement. Perry Phillips, GMB Branch Secretary of the Hounslow Branch said: "This is how much notice Compass takes of all the new family friendly legislation that the government has put in place to help working parents balance their responsibilities between work and home. "It was not Mr Teixira's fault that the late chef overslept and did not turn up while our member made every effort to contact him. Mr Teixira also offered to get a babysitter at his own expense and return to work once he had ensured that his small children were properly cared for. "That this was not good enough shows what the super-rich expect from workers for £20,000 a year in London. They need to lower their expectations. The manager is running scared of losing his own job. He is making Mr Teixira the scapegoat to try and save his own neck. This is despite Mr Teixira's record of reliability and good work." Compass Group added that the chef has every right to appeal: "Mr Teixira was informed that any appeal must be in writing to Amanda Hanslip, HR Manager within five working days of receiving a formal dismissal letter. This letter was dated 1st August 2008."