A former consultant at IT recruitment firm Modis International settled an unfair dismissal claim, avoiding a two-day hearing at an employment tribunal.

Richard Spencer had worked at Modis for around two-and-a-half years, but left in August 2006. He claimed constructive dismissal. Spencer told Recruiter a restructuring of the bonus system meant that he was £600 a month worse off.

The hearing was due to start in central London at 10am on 22 February. But the start was delayed by 90 minutes as negotiations took place. Having failed to reach agreement, the parties went into the hearing room.

Spencer's barrister asked for 10 minutes longer for further negotiations. The chairman of the tribunal said he did not see what would be achieved in that time which had not been achieved in the previous hour and a half. But he then said his two colleagues on the panel were "softer" than he was and the extra time was allowed. The case was then settled.

Spencer, who now works for another IT recruiter, told Recruiter prior to the hearing that he had been offered £7,000. Modis declined to comment.