Sam Smith's appeals against tribunal decision

Brewer Sam Smith's is to appeal against the decision of an employment tribunal which ruled it unfairly sacked one of its pub management couples.

The North Yorkshire-based pub operator is contesting the judgement of the tribunal which backed managers Frank and Pam Marshall who refused to carry out an instruction to slash staff employment hours.

The case followed a year long dispute involving the Marshalls, who ran the Holly Bush at Edenthorpe, Doncaster, and nine other management couples who were also dismissed for failing to cut down staff working time.

They claimed the decision to reduce staff hours from 89 to 45 per week seriously impinged on the efficient and safe operation of the business.

The Marshalls, who now run the Thorn Tree at Ripley, Derbyshire, for Marston's, said they were very disappointed at the decision.

"We do not yet know on what grounds the brewery is appealing but all we can now do is wait to see what happens," said Pam Marshall.

It is understood Smith's submitted its appeal on the final day of the 42 day deadline which followed the tribunal decision.