THE BOGEY MAN

Popular site's future at risk after owner refuses to cough up £22k for unfairly sacked greenkeeper

- MARK MCGIVERN

THERE are fears a popular golf club could be put out of business after its owners refused to pay £22,000 for an unfair dismissal claim.

The storm arose at Braes Golf Centre, in Falkirk, after long-serving greenkeeper John Easton was sacked by boss Steve Matthews without being given any reason.

Rather than collect redundancy money, John was forced to raise a case with the GMB Scotland union - which duly resulted in him winning an employment tribunal.

Despite being ordered to pay the cash two years ago, Matthews has refused.

The GMB is preparing legal action to wind up the club unless the cash ordered is paid.

Robert Deavy, an organiser for the union, said Matthews had ignored correspondence before and after the tribunal.

He said: "The owner is a well known businessman and developer in the area but his disregard for employment law, reluctance to engage with the legal process and refusal to pay his debts should concern any prospective partners or clients.