Douglas Council has hit back at criticism made in an employment tribunal.

As we reported last week council worker William Pye is to be paid more than £5,000 in compensation after successfully taking his claim to an employment tribunal.

The council says it does not accept or agree with the personal criticism of officers employed by the council in the judgment.

A statement reads: Officers of the Council involved in the matter were doing their jobs in difficult and trying circumstances and in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic which involved the closure of local business, including the council offices.

’The employee concerned in the case was absent from the Isle of Man for over three months as a result of taking a holiday and his salary for this period, after taking appropriate advice, was deducted accordingly.

’The tribunal has taken the view on the basis of back dated doctor’s notes, issued without the individual concerned being seen by the doctor, that such deduction was unlawful and the council were ordered to repay the employee the sum deducted which it has done.

’The council does not agree with the decision reached by the tribunal or the reasoning behind the decision.’