A 72-year-old university cleaner has been awarded £264,000 in compensation after an employment tribunal found she was unfairly dismissed and victimised following a dispute over a student's rice cooker. Peak Ong, who worked part-time at Aberystwyth University since 2014, successfully argued that her sacking stemmed from a long-running feud with her manager, Catherine Green.
The tribunal heard that the conflict escalated after Ms Ong was accused of purchasing a rice cooker for a student whose appliance had been confiscated under a university ban. The university claimed Ms Ong was dismissed for failing to improve her conduct after mediation, but the tribunal identified serious shortcomings in the disciplinary process and found the university had also provided a damaging reference when she tried to secure new employment.
Ms Ong, who first came to the UK from Malaysia in 1989, represented herself at the Birmingham-based tribunal. She had lodged several complaints against Ms Green, alleging bullying and harassment due to her age. After a formal complaint about Ms Green in 2019, Ms Ong was assigned a new line manager, but tensions continued.
In February 2021, Ms Green lodged a formal complaint about Ms Ong's conduct, claiming it was 'unmanageable' and affecting her team. An investigation upheld the complaints, but the tribunal noted flaws in the process. The rice cooker incident was discussed in a meeting, where Ms Green allegedly accused Ms Ong of supplying students with cookers – an accusation Ms Ong denied.
Following mediation in October 2021, Ms Ong received a final written warning and was given seven weeks to find another role within the university. She failed to secure one and was dismissed. In September 2022, she obtained a conditional job offer from Ceredigion Council, but the university's reference mentioned her disciplinary record and reason for leaving, damaging her prospects.
The tribunal ruled that the university had victimised Ms Ong and unfairly dismissed her. The award of £264,000 includes compensation for financial losses and injury to feelings. Aberystwyth University said it was 'disappointed' by the decision and would consider its options.
