Covid pandemic: Payout after Cawdor Cars boss coughs in employee’s face

But he said when called to give evidence in the tribunal they came across “defensively and as not being wholly straightforward.”

The tribunal heard the woman complained “vehemently” about the coughing incident and resigned from the business in Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion, less than three months later.

Judge Ryan said: “She resigned at least in part because she was victimised; this was a major and significant factor in her decision.

“She felt that she was being eased out partly because of her complaints. She was correct.”

The judge ordered the woman receive a payout of £26,438.84 – with Cawdor Cars handing her £18,000 in damages for injury to feelings and Mr Davies paying £3,841.94 for unfair dismissal and £4,596.90 in interest accumulated.

Speaking after the hearing, the woman said she was left a “nervous wreck” after Mr Davies’ “horrendous” conduct.

She said: “He knew of my medical condition. He knew I had no immune protection because of the medication I had to take, and he deliberately coughed in my face.

“I was shaking. I’m not a silly, fluffy person, I’ve had to put up with a lot in my life, but it really got me.”