Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald – Wednesday 26 February 1890
Hackenthorpe Breach of Contract.
Joe Mills sickle grinder, Conisbro, was summoned by the firm of Messrs. Staniforth and Co., for absenting himself from his work without any lawful excuse, at Hackenthorpe, on the 8th February, for which the Company claimed 20s. compensation, and asked that the man might be ordered to return to his work.
Mr. J. T. Jones, junior appeared for the defendant.
From the evidence of Mr Hibberd it transpired that the defendant was engaged by complainants on the 26th October last, and signed an agreement binding himself to work for them for nine months. Defendant worked up to the 18th January when he absented himself, and had not been to work since that date. It was not the first time he had done such a thing.
Mr. Jones contended that the defendant was obliged to leave on account of their being insufficient work, and that he could not earn sufficient money to keep his wife and family. He admitted signing the agreement, but considered it was null and void on account of the complainants failing to find him plenty of work.
Mr. Hibberd proved that the man had not received less than 24-. per week, but their employees were put on short time for a fortnight owing to a break down at the rolling mills. After that there was plenty of work for the defendant, and was now. When the breakdown occurred they advanced the men money.
The Bench said the defendant could not get over the agreement. The defendant would have to pay 10s. compensation, and 10s 6d costs.