Ferry worker whose request to work on land was ignored is awarded £47,000 payout

Sean Donnelly started working at DFDS in their Guernsey branch in October 2007, and he had become an Assistant Bosun (Picture: Getty) A senior boatswain at a ferry company has been awarded nearly £50,000 after bosses refused to let him work on land. Sean Donnelly said working at sea left him ‘in a lot of pain’ because the ship’s vibrations aggravated his arthritis. The senior deckhand repeatedly asked to be transferred to work on shore but was told the move was ‘too difficult due to payroll and administration’. Mr Donnelly wanted to work for three more years until he retired but was left without pay and seeking benefits, despite making it clear he was fit to work ashore. At an employment tribunal held in Ashford, Kent, Mr Donnelly won his case of unfair dismissal and a failure to make reas