You see this all the time where claims are made under the FWA. I see that the legal firm representing the ex-employee operates a "No-win-no-fee" policy, so it is no risk to the employee to make the claim.
What normally happens is that the business just pays an amount to make it go away to save on legal fees and potential adverse publicity. It is a tactic commonly used by disgruntled employees and their 'no-win-no-fee' lawyers. Whilst I'm not saying that is the case here, it wouldn't surprise me. Some firms defend it on the principal of the matter. It is also a common strategy to see an article written in the AFR (if they are listed, or large). This one amazingly made page 3 of the print edition (well ahead of more interesting/newsworthy articles... very strange that!)
Given that unfair dismissal protections don't apply to the ex-employee (he gets paid too much), the whole action would seem designed to get an additional payout.
Cheers Marv
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