In response, Jacqueline fought back. She sued both her husband and the family company, citing unfair and wrongful dismissal, unauthorized pay deductions, and victimization.
And her efforts paid off. Jacqueline was awarded a total of £9,676 in compensation.
Stefan and the business initially tried to argue that Jacqueline had effectively “resigned” on May 30, the day she discovered the affair. But the tribunal saw through their claim.
“[Mr. Herling’s] evidence was that he wanted to give [his wife] time to think about things. He did not want her to leave and left the position open,” the panel stated. “In those circumstances, the Tribunal considered that [Mr. Herling] did not, at the time, consider [his wife] to have resigned.”
Going back to 2003, Jacqueline had first started working part-time behind the bar at The Beehive Inns in Derbyshire. As the Daily Mail described it, the pub was nestled “in the heart of the Peak District,” boasting “beautiful views” and a “friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”