I run a small business. I have dismissed someone due to unreliability. (late most days). It was brought up in an appraisal 4 months ago and was simply not improving. So I dismissed him. He is now claiming unfair dismissal and although I have all the evidence to prove the lateness, it seems I haven't followed the set protocol- verbal warnings/disciplinaries etc. He has 9 months service.
So have I unfairly dismissed him? What will happen next? Will I have to pay compensation? Feel like such a naive fool.
Thanks