Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.
Former Connells Chief Wins Tribunal Against Skipton
David Livesey, the former chief executive of Connells, has won his employment tribunal claims for unfair dismissal and age discrimination against Skipton Building Society. Livesey, aged 67, left Connells in 2023 after a 33-year tenure and brought legal action against Skipton, which acquired Connells in 2010.
The tribunal found in Livesey's favour on both unfair dismissal and age discrimination. While Livesey had alleged he was forced out after being bullied by Skipton chief executive Stuart Haire, the tribunal dismissed the bullying allegation. However, it upheld that Livesey had been treated less favourably regarding the valuation of his Connells shareholding.
According to the tribunal, Livesey received just 46p for shares that had cost him £420,000, while another director with a smaller stake received more than £1.6 million. The tribunal concluded that the less favourable treatment over Livesey’s shares “was not justified.”
Skipton Building Society stated it was “disappointed” with the tribunal’s decision.
This case may be of interest to UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as it highlights employment practices and shareholding treatment within large property businesses.
Source: Property Industry Eye