A worker at fast-food giant McDonald's claimed he was forced to resign because he was not allowed enough food during his shift.

Eighteen-year-old Kristin Saddington agreed to work extra hours and felt he was entitled to more food, which he ate.

But Mr Saddington, of Trafalgar Road, Stanway, Colchester, lost his case for constructive dismissal at a hearing in Bury St Edmunds on Friday.

It was felt there had been no breach of contract by Camshron Ltd, franchisee for McDonald's, Colchester.

Each employee is entitled to a food allowance and on Saturday, October 2, last year, Mr Saddington, an employee at the Tollgate restaurant in Colchester, ate more than he was allowed.

His duty manager told him he should have less food the following day, when he was also due to work, to compensate.

Later that day he agreed to work extra hours on Sunday taking him up to a 12-hour shift.

He started work on Sunday at midday and at around 3pm he ate a quarterpounder with cheese meal - more than he had been told he was allowed.

After being seen by a member of staff, his duty manager that day, David Whittle, took the half-eaten food and threw it in the bin.

The two then had a conversation where Mr Saddington was offered a burger later in the day. He explained: "I said if that was the case I was going to walk out."

He said he was not given the option to wait and discuss it with the restaurant proprietor, Cameron Morehen.

David Whittle said the food allowance was a "perk of the job" and McDonald's had no obligation to feed their workers to get them through their shifts.

But he had no intention of starving Mr Saddington and in their conversation believed Saddington would go back to work. He said he was surprised to later find Mr Saddington had resigned.

Tracy Barnett said in their conversation she gave Mr Saddington three options which included speaking to Mr Morehen.

Cameron Morehen said he later spoke to Mr Saddington and said: "Mr Saddington confirmed to me he was aware of the food policy but chose to ignore it which is a different matter entirely.

Richard Cassel, tribunal chairman, said: "I think, Mr Saddington, you accept you haven't properly complied with the food policy though you have your own reasons."

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