The Labour Court denied Novum (Overseas) Ltd’s appeal and upheld a recommendation on a worker’s possible return to the stores department. The decision was signed on 30 August 2002. The worker had spent nine years in stores before moving to production. The union said he received no notice or training to help him retain his position; the company said transfers depended on ability and work requirements, not seniority, and that his pay and conditions had not worsened. The Court clarified that if a vacancy arose in stores, the company should give the worker an opportunity to develop any necessary skills and transfer him back at the earliest opportunity consistent with work requirements.