A LITTLE Witley assistant director of music at a primary school has been awarded more than £4,000 after complaining her duties were taken from her and wages deducted.

Jane Whittle of Worcester Road, Little Witley, is still employed at Abberley Hall Primary School, near Great Witley, Birmingham Employment Tribunal was told.

She sought compensation against Abberley Hall Ltd for the unauthorised deduction of wages after complaining she was moved to another section of the school, following a dispute, and her duties taken from her.

She said she was given a teaching role on a one-to-one basis.

She had been employed at the school since 2003 and was said to have been a well-respected staff member.

The claim for the unpaid wages involved the period between September, 2012 and February, 2013, the tribunal was told.

Mrs Whittle was represented by her husband, Andrew Whittle, who is a solicitor.

The respondents opposed the compensation claim and warned that they would be making an application for costs against Mrs Whittle.

Trinunal judge Mary Cocks complained the application had been made too late to discuss on the day and that another hearing would have to be held.

The respondents then withdrew the application.

The hearing was adjourned for a brief spell to enable both parties to decide how much Mrs Whittle was owed.

On resumption Miss Cocks thanked both the respondents and Mrs Whittle for co-operating and awarded Mrs Whittle £4,473. Mr Whittle then asked when his wife could expect the award to be paid by.

Miss Cocks said the award should be paid within about six weeks but added she hoped both parties would co-operate in the meantime.

Mr and Mrs Whittle said after the hearing they were pleased with the outcome.