Credit Suisse's Guernsey offices.

THE former boss of Credit Suisse (Guernsey) Ltd is claiming an unpaid annual bonus of nearly half a million pounds from his former company.

The bank sacked Albert Good on 8 September 2006 but an employment tribunal later ruled that his dismissal had been unfair and he was awarded £242,307 compensation.

Now a preliminary hearing has agreed the bank must provide documents to assist him in his latest claim for £449,000.

In the Interlocutory Court, Advocate Paul Richardson made an application for discovery of bonuses paid to executive board members in the calendar years 2003-2006 inclusive.

He also asked for details of the full financial performances of the bank and its parent company in the same period.

Advocate Richardson said that under the terms of Mr Good’s contract of employment, he was entitled to a bonus payment linked to the financial performance of Credit Suisse (Guernsey) Ltd, its Zurich-based parent company, and his own performance, based on each calendar year.

For Credit Suisse (Guernsey) Ltd, Advocate Jessica Roland contended that Mr Good’s contract of employment had been amended. A variation of contractual entitlement meant that bonuses had become voluntary and were awarded on a non-recurring basis.

An employee also had to be in the bank’s employment when any bonus was paid. The question before the court was one of quantum and not liability, which would be something for trial.

After lengthy discussion between the parties over documentation, Deputy Bailiff Richard Collas made an order for disclosure of several of the documents to Mr Good.

He said that as Mr Good had been successful with most of his requests, recoverable costs were awarded to him.