A Bradford hairdresser who claimed she lost her job after failing to turn up for work at the end of her maternity leave has lost her case at an employment tribunal.

Mother-of-two Joanne Gadd, 24, claimed unlawful and constructive dismissal and sexual discrimination after she failed to return to her job as a part-time stylist at Arte Salon in Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, in February.

Miss Gadd, of Bierley, began her maternity leave in September and her case hinged on conversations between herself and salon owner and former friend Kate Bestwick, 21, regarding the days she could work when she returned in February. The tribunal in Leeds yesterday heard that Miss Gadd and Miss Beswick were unable to agree on what days she would work.

Miss Bestwick said in a letter to Miss Gadd there was nothing more she could do, but added: "I have not stopped you from returning to work."

Miss Gadd said she assumed she had been dismissed and did not go.

Tribunal chairman Kevin Fletcher said the panel found it "incomprehensible" that, faced with such a letter, Miss Gadd should do nothing.

"The obvious one was to turn up on the due work date and call the respondent's bluff," he said.