Axing An Employee

James Robertson threatened a fellow city worker with an ax during an argument. For that, Robertson—who had previously served 13 years for kicking a man to death—was given five years in prison. As you might expect, he was also fired by the Manchester, England, city government. But an employment tribunal has ruled that he was unfairly sacked and awarded him two weeks back pay. The city council is considering its options, but a spokesman said the cost of an appeal would probably be greater than the cost of the award.