A CHAUFFEUR told yesterday how he battled through a blizzard to pick up his boss - only to be criticised for not being properly dressed.

Ronald Chidgzey said he wore outdoor clothing because of the conditions when he had to carry luggage down a hill to the car.

But he changed after being told by his Australian employer - known as Lord Battenberg - that he had to wear a suit.

Chidgzey, 56, said he was sacked by letter shortly after the incident.

The chauffeur, from Feltham, Middlesex, is claiming thousands of pounds in unpaid wages at an employment tribunal. He is also claiming breach of contract.

His former boss, otherwise known as Andrew Battenberg and Andrew Lee, was ordered to make a payment to him following an earlier tribunal in Dundee.

But the ruling was quashed on appeal. Battenberg denies Chidgzey is owed any money.

The case resumed before a new tribunal in Glasgow on Monday.

Chidgzey worked for Battenberg as his chauffeur at Dunfallandy House, Pitlochry, Perthshire. The tribunal heard yesterday of the day Chidgzey had to travel to Edinburgh to drop off his boss.

The chauffeur said: "I was advised the road up to Dunfallandy House was closed, so I wore clothing suitable for the conditions, bearing in mind I had to park the car at the bottom of the driveway."

But he said when he arrived at the house, Battenberg told him he was "inappropriately attired".

Chidgzey added: "He advised me in no uncertain terms he expected me to be in one of my suits to take him to the airport."

The tribunal also heard how a cheque from Battenberg to Chidgzey was "returned unpaid". Chidgzey said he had discussions with Battenberg, who was due to go back to Australia.

The chauffeur said: "I made it quite clear that unless payment was made before his mother came to Scotland, I would not be in a position to travel up and continue my employment."

Though Chidgzey later returned to Scotland, in February 2004, he received a letter of dismissal from Battenberg's solicitors.

It stated: "Our client advises us that on a number of occasions you failed to carry out duties in an appropriate manner."

The case continues.

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