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An employee who repeatedly ignored simple directions on where to start work each day has lost his unfair dismissal claim, with the Fair Work Commission finding his behaviour was "consciously" deceptive.

In September last year, Atco Gas Australia sacked the gas distribution officer (GDO) following an investigation into his work vehicle's movements.

In unfair dismissal proceedings, the Commission heard GDOs were expected to start work at 745am at their first work location, unless directed to drive to the depot first, and to finish no later than 410pm.

However the employee disputed this was the usual practice, and denied that he had been instructed and required to follow it...