Black Forest Case Trail Closes

The Case of the chef who was accused of not updating an allergens list and was then dismissed has now ended after what was a very long and exhausting trial.

The case has now been “Referred for judgment” so that the judge can review all of the evidence and come to a decision, hopefully within the next few weeks.

Without doubt, this has been the longest and most thorough case we have ever taken part in and one which has seen us have to match our skills against one of the biggest HR companies in the UK, as well as taking on EHOs and the FSA in lengthy arguments.

The FSA has accepted that this case has raised issues that need to be considered, namely who is ultimately accountable and what level of Allergen training is considered suitable, as well as quantifying the Mandatory regulations of which many employers are still unaware.

With more than 300 pages of evidence and supporting documentation as well as a year’s work in bringing this case and supporting it, it has driven us to a level we hadn’t ever imagined, as we have learned and gained so much from it.

At stake is the very fact that ( if proven ) any chef in the UK can be dismissed for 1 single error, and this could have massive repercussions throughout the industry.

Just one mistake in not applying allergens and any chef can be dismissed, the very thought of this is mind-boggling, and one of the main reasons that Unichef decided to fight this case.

Together with our utter belief in the Chef's innocence, this case will be a milestone in Unichefs history, win or lose.

Now we must wait for that decision.  We are still VERY optimistic, we have put up a very strong case, and there are many leading and substantive arguments which the respondent cannot and has not denied.

If that decision is applied in open court (without an” out of court settlement” ) then we will be able to report it to you; either way, we will keep you all updated.

Thank you for your good wishes and kind support in this important case