GCU likely to appeal against reinstatement

Glasgow Caledonian University is likely to appeal against today's deadline for reinstating its former principal, Stan Mason. Dr Mason, fired for gross misconduct in 1997, recently won a tribunal for unfair dismissal. The tribunal ruled that he should be reinstated before his 65th birthday tomorrow. Dr Mason could win about Pounds 150,000 in back pay, and his solicitor, Alistair Cockburn of Maxwell MacLaurin, said this was regardless of whether he is given his job back. "Whether or not Dr Mason is reinstated is of no relevance to the question of the basic compensation under the reinstatement order. Providing the tribunal on a subsequent hearing determines that reinstatement is indeed practicable as at January 30, then Dr Mason will obtain the money representing lost salary and benefits between the date of dismissal and January 30."