A DUDLEY sandwich shop assistant who was attacked by a customer as he threatened to kill her, is seeking compensation after resigning from her job.

The incident was recalled by Miss  Amanda Burton as she made a Birmingham Employment Tribunal compensation claim for constructive unfair dismissal against French Connection Baguette House Ltd of High Street, Dudley.

Recalling the incident after giving evidence at the tribunal, Miss Burton said the customer suddenly grabbed her by her clothing and threatened to kill her.

“I managed to break away after hitting him with a mop and then ran into the kitchen,” said Miss Burton.“But he chased after me and another employee. I was cornered in the kitchen and he was standing near a table row of knives. I really thought he was going to grab a knife and kill me. Fortunately he suddenly ran off.”

Miss Burton who lives in Rowley Regis, said the police were called and a major investigation carried out into the incident.

She said the incident was one of several upsets which eventually caused her to resign.

She alleged she had been bullied and accused her former employers of failing to carry out health and safety measures telling the tribunal:“I had to stand on a chair to clean a ceiling and walls which I believed was dangerous.”.

Miss Burton told the hearing she had been “singled out” after being told to be faster on the till and said the incidents caused her to go on sick leave suffering from stress and depression.

The respondents opposed Miss Burton’s compensation claim.

Miss Jane Kilsby, a manageress, accused Miss Burton of failing to keep the firm informed about her situation after being on sick leave.

She said: “I tried to ring her on numerous occasions to find out what was happening but her Dad kept saying she was not there.”

She admitted, however, that the firm had failed to provide a written contract of employment.

The hearing is continuing with more witnesses expected to give evidence.
A tribunal decision is expected at a later date.