A WORCESTER newsagent has successfully opposed a compensation claim for unfair dismissal by a former employee following a dispute over the letting of a flat.

Linda Bell of Upper Tything, Worcester, made her unfair dismissal claim at Birmingham Employment Tribunal against Michael Griffiths, who runs Stars News in Rose Avenue, off Tolladine Road, Worcester.

Mrs Bell, who was employed for two years as an assistant at the shop, said the trouble began when she asked if she could use a flat above the shop.

The tribunal was told that Mr Griffiths wanted the flat for stock and a dispute broke out between him and Mrs Bell. It was alleged that Mrs Bell "went above his head" in an attempt to gain permission to use the flat.

Mrs Bell said she had made enquires about the flat in the normal way but alleged that Mr Griffiths' wife later told her she was sacked.

This was denied by Mr Griffiths who claims Mrs Bell walked out and left her job because she could not have the flat. Malcolm Butler, tribunal chairman, said there was a lot of ill feeling between Mr Griffiths and Mrs Bell and the tribunal had experienced problems in establishing what really happened.

"Both have given plausible and credible evidence," said Mr Butler.

"One party says there was a resignation and the other claims there was a dismissal." Mr Butler, said however, that the tribunal's decision was that Mrs Bell had not been dismissed and her claim for unfair dismissal was rejected.

Mrs Bell said afterwards that she was not satisfied with the outcome and said she would be appealing against the decision.

Mr Griffiths declined to comment.