Let go after cancer diagnosis

A real estate agent whose contract was terminated after telling his bosses he had cancer says he regrets telling them the truth.

Former Bayleys agent Paul Berryman, of Paraparaumu, said he was diagnosed in early January with terminal prostate cancer.

He told management on January 19. On February 12, the company wrote to offer him support, telling him he was ‘‘a big part of the Bayleys network and family’’.

Less than three weeks later, his contract was terminated with the required seven days’ notice.

Berryman said the timing of the termination was ‘‘just absolutely shocking’’.

Bayleys licensee and compliance manager Tony Bayley stood by its decision, and said the reasons related to other issues, including Berryman’s ‘‘manner in dealing with staff and clients’’.

But Berryman is convinced his employment, as a contractor, was terminated because of his illness.

He was a top listing agent for the Wellington region, with awards on his wall to prove it.

He tried for mediation over the decision, then engaged a lawyer in a bid to gain compensation for his time out of work.

Bayleys rejected the bid on July 18, saying it remained comfortable that the termination was not due to unlawful discrimination.

Berryman said he had prostate cancer five years ago, ‘‘and it’s come back, and it’s spread’’. Doctors gave him several years before the disease might take his life – enough time to keep working.

‘‘I still feel fit and strong and have no issues about working. I’ve worked in real estate for 15 years and absolutely love it.’’

He told management about the diagnosis because he wanted to be honest and open with them about the time off he would need.’’

‘‘To be honest, it backfired. I wish I’d never told them now, because it would’ve been going along smoothly.’’

Bayley said the company ‘‘strongly refutes’’ Berryman’s claims and stood by its decision.

His termination letter referred to ‘‘the general perception’’ in the community that Berryman was the manager and principal of the Kapiti office, which he was not.

Berryman said he never claimed to be the manager of the office, even if that was the perception in the community.

He had contacted the Human Rights Commission, and said he was told on Friday that it would take up his case.

A commission spokeswoman said it was unable to confirm or deny complaints without the permission of all parties.

Berryman is now working for Remax in Kapiti.