THE former executive director of Bluebird Holidays has received an out-of-court settlement from the operator after a three-year legal battle.
John Deverell issued a writ against Bluebird in August 1996 claiming wrongful dismissal. He received a payout last week, believed to be £50,000.
Deverell, who had been with the operator for three years, was made redundant after former parent company Leisure Canada appointed Stephen Powell as managing director.
“One day I was there and the next I was sacked,” said Deverell. “Leisure Canada brought in their own regime and there was not a place for me.”
Bluebird managing director Stephen Powell said the settlement did not mean the company accepted it had acted unfairly. “It would have cost us £200,000 to take this matter to court and we really could not see the point,” he said. “Our lawyers advised us this was the best course of action.”
Bluebird is now owned by Points North Technology which acquired the company in 1997.