A dismissal of a claim without consideration by the tribunal created an issue estoppel. Issue estoppel rules apply equally to Industrial Tribunal decisions as elsewhere. Redundancy claim once withdrawn on one ground could not be revived on another. An order dismissing an Employment Tribunal claim on withdrawal by the Claimant is a judicial decision giving … Continue reading Barber v Staffordshire County Council: CA 29 Jan 1996
The claimant had been dismissed as a teacher by the respondent Roman Catholic school after she became pregnant by a priest. She had been found to have been unfairly dismissed, but the tribunal had rejected her claim of discrimination for pregnancy. Judges: Mummery J P Citations: [1996] IRLR 372, [1997] ICR 33, [1996] UKEAT 1180 … Continue reading O’Neill v Governors of St Thomas More RC School and Another: EAT 24 May 1996
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Striking-out / dismissal PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Imposition of deposit Rules 37(1) and 39(1) Schedule 1 Employment Tribunal (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2013 The Employment Tribunal (‘ET’) had struck out the Claimant’s claim of protected disclosure detriments and dismissal as having no reasonable prospect of success. In the alternative, the ET … Continue reading Arthur v Hertfordshire Partnership University NS Foundation Trust (Practice and Procedure Striking-Out : Dismissal): EAT 13 Aug 2019
Salesmen were transferred to a new dealership at a different workplace without any guarantee as to client base or sales figures, so that there was potential for an adverse impact on commission. Held: All these components were ‘working conditions’. The change was substantial because it was a change in remuneration. Citations: C-171/94, [1996] EUECJ C-171/94, … Continue reading Merckx and Neuhuys v Ford Motors Company Belgium (Rec 1996,p I-1253) (Judgment): ECJ 7 Mar 1996
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Disposal of appeal including remission The parties agreed that the Claimant’s appeal against a Costs Order made against him in the Employment Tribunal (‘ET’) should be allowed to the extent of deducting the VAT which had wrongly been included in the sum ordered to be paid. In allowing the appeal and … Continue reading Cabezuelo v Stella Travel Serivces Uk Ltd and Another (Practice and Procedure – Disposal of Appeal Including Remission): EAT 17 Oct 2018
A decision at committal to return an accused for trial is susceptible to judicial review where committal was based solely on inadmissible evidence or was based on evidence not reasonably capable of supporting it. The committal was quashed.The ‘Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court has normally in judicial review proceedings jurisdiction to quash a … Continue reading Regina v Bedwellty Justices Ex Parte Williams: HL 18 Sep 1996
EAT CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT – Implied term/variation/construction of term The Employment Tribunal had erred in concluding that a term in the letters of appointment of the Claimants enabled the employer to vary the contract unilaterally; the term was unclear and probably ambiguous – Wandsworth London Borough Council v D’Silva [1998] IRLR 193 and Security and … Continue reading Norman and Another v National Audit Office (Contract of Employment : Implied Term/Variation/Construction of Term): EAT 15 Dec 2014
EAT Unfair Dismissal : Reason for Dismissal Including Substantial Other Reason – Reasonableness of dismissal The Employment Judge did not err in holding that the dismissal of the Claimant for refusing to agree to a rescheduling of her working hours was a dismissal for some other substantial reason within the meaning of section 98(1)(b) of … Continue reading Taylor and Others (T/A Partners In The Cornerstone Practice) v Crockford: EAT 28 Feb 2014
The appellants were teachers in Christian schools who said that the blanket ban on corporal punishment interfered with their religious freedom. They saw moderate physical discipline as an essential part of educating children in a Christian manner. Held: The appeal was dismissed. For Article 9 to be engaged (aside from certain other threshold conditions) the … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for Education and Employment and others ex parte Williamson and others: HL 24 Feb 2005
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The applicant was a roadsweeper. She complained of disability discrimination, when after becoming unable to walk, her employer after considering her for other posts dismissed her for incapacity. Held: The ability to walk was a part of the irreducible minimum capacity required of the job. The Code of Practice could not be used as an … Continue reading Archibald v Fife Council: IHCS 9 Dec 2003
The process of the company making the claimant redundant had been declared a sham. The company appealed against a decision that even had the correct procedures been followed, the decision would have been the same. The tribunal said that insufficient evidence had been brought to support such an assertion. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The … Continue reading Strand Transport Services Ltd v Whitworth: CA 6 Aug 2009
The claimant had been unfairly dismissed but in addition to this employment she had also lost her earnings from a private practice as an aerobics teacher at the same facility where she was employed. She had been awarded damages for the employment loss, but not the rest. Held: The court did not state as a … Continue reading Jones v Lingfield Leisure Plc: CA 18 Jun 1998
EAT Unfair Dismissal : Constructive Dismissal – DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Reasonable adjustmentsClaimant suffered personality disorder and was disabled for the purposes of DDA. He was suspended for misconduct in November 2009 and was still suspended a year later when he resigned.The Employment Tribunal found in his favour on disability discrimination claims based on ‘reasonable adjustments’ … Continue reading The Carphone Warehouse Ltd v Martin: EAT 12 Feb 2013
EAT JURISDICTIONAL POINTS – Extension of time: reasonably practicableWhere a Claimant has retained a solicitor to act for him and failed to meet the deadline for presenting a complaint of unfair dismissal to an Employment Tribunal, the adviser’s fault will defeat any attempt to argue that it was not reasonably practicable to make a timely … Continue reading El-Kholy v Rentokil Initial Facilities Services (UK) Ltd: EAT 21 Mar 2013
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – AmendmentAn application to amend was made which the Employment Tribunal Judge had refused purely on the basis that it involved new claims; that was clearly wrong. She should have followed the procedure in Selkent v More [1996] ICR 836 at 842, this being an application which involved an amendment which … Continue reading Edwards v London Borough of Sutton: EAT 12 Jul 2012
EAT JURISDICTIONAL POINTS – Claim in time and effective date of termination The Claimants were summarily dismissed with immediate effect on 5 October 2010. They appealed; and while their appeals were otherwise unsuccessful they were told that the date of termination of their employment would be the date of the appeal (4 November); and they … Continue reading Hawes and Curtis Ltd v Arfan and Another: EAT 1 Jun 2012
The applicant cleaner sought compensation for unfair dismissal. The issue was whether she was an employee of the respondents, of their client where she did her work, or was not an employee at all. She worked for an agency, who sent her out to offices to work. The court was called upon to give guidance … Continue reading Brook Street Bureau (UK) Ltd v Dacas: CA 5 Mar 2004
EATR UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reasonableness of dismissal Employment Tribunal found dismissal for redundancy reason unfair under s98(4) Employment Rights Act 1996 on two grounds; (i) selection (ii) alternative employment. As to (i) ET substituted own view as to a fair selection procedure and as to (ii) failed to consider whether employer’s attempts to find alternative … Continue reading Amazon.Co.Uk.Ltd v Hurdus: EAT 10 Feb 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-Barke An Employment Tribunal decision must comply in both form and substance with 30(6) of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 SI No. 1861 and failure to do so will amount to an error of law; Balfour Beatty Power Networks Ltd v Wilcox [2006] EWCA … Continue reading Greenwood v NWF Retail Ltd: EAT 18 Feb 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Appellate jurisdiction/reasons/Burns-Barke An Employment Tribunal decision must comply in both form and substance with 30(6) of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 SI No. 1861 and failure to do so will amount to an error of law; Balfour Beatty Power Networks Ltd v Wilcox [2006] EWCA … Continue reading Norman and Another v NWF Retail Ltd: EAT 18 Feb 2011
EAT UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION FROM WAGESThe Claimant (who was a dentist) entered into a contract to provide dental services for the Respondent. The Employment Tribunal found that he was not an ’employee’ within the meaning of section 230(3) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 but that he was a ‘worker’ within the meaning of that provision. … Continue reading Community Dental Centres Ltd v Sultan- Darmon: EAT 12 Aug 2010
EAT JURISDICTIONAL POINTS – Worker, employee or neitherThe Claimant employee was given notice that his contract would expire on 1 December 2008.By a letter dated 26 November 2008 the Respondent employer informed the Claimant employee ‘I write to confirm that you can be released today and will still be paid up to and including your … Continue reading Wedgewood v Minstergate Hull Ltd: EAT 13 Jul 2010
The plaintiff was a manager within the social services department. He suffered a mental breakdown in 1986, and had four months off work. His employers had refused to provide the increased support he requested. He had returned to work, but again, did not receive the staff or guidance to allow him to do the work … Continue reading Walker v Northumberland County Council: QBD 16 Nov 1994
EAT VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION: Protected disclosureThe claimant, who had less than one year’s continuous employment fell out with his fellow directors and equal shareholders. He was removed as a director. His solicitors wrote on his behalf stating that they had given advice to their client as a shareholder, director and employee. The Employment Tribunal erred in … Continue reading Cavendish Munro Professional Risks Management Ltd v Geduld (Rev 1): EAT 6 Aug 2009
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSALS.98A(2) ERAPolkey deductionContributory faultThe Employment Tribunal erred when if found procedural defects in the investigation by the Respondent of the allegations of the Claimant’s misconduct. In any event it ought to have allowed evidence and considered Employment Rights Act 1996 s 98A(2).It wrongly awarded compensation beyond the 6 weeks it found it would … Continue reading Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust v Roldan: EAT 2 Sep 2009
The employer was in financial difficulties. A new company was formed by a customer to acquire its assets, and the employees, including the claimant were taken on by the new company. The claimant was dismissed within a year after. On claiming unfair dismissal, the new company said that he had no continuity of employment from … Continue reading Oakland v Wellswood (Yorkshire) Ltd: CA 30 Jul 2009
The claimant, a consultant surgeon had been subject to disciplinary proceedings by his employer. They were however conducted in a manner which breached his contract. The GMC had summarily dismissed the same allegations. The claimant now appealed against an award by the county court judge which had limited his damages to loss of earnings only. … Continue reading Edwards v Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: QBD 31 Jul 2009
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: Striking-out/dismissalOn remission by the EAT, the Employment Tribunal did not err when it heard evidence and then struck out the Claimant’s claims of dismissal and detriment contrary to Employment Rights Act 1996 s 44, following her complaints about health and safety. It noted her related claims for andpound;20m against the Respondent … Continue reading Iya-Nya v British Airways Plc: EAT 19 Aug 2009
EAT Circumstances in which Tribunal erred in finding that employers had failed to comply with the statutory grievance procedure. Conflation of matters relevant to an assessment of fairness of procedure under section 98 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 with the narrow and more limited requirements of the SGP. Citations: [2009] UKEAT 0021 – 09 … Continue reading Bells Food Group Ltd v Latimer: EAT 28 Jul 2009
EAT JURISDICTIONAL POINTS: 2002 Act and pre-action requirementsA teacher was given notice to terminate her limited-term contract of employment before a meeting to discuss it. The Employment Tribunal correctly found this was a breach of the 2002 Act regime and automatically unfair contrary to Employment Rights Act 1996 s98A. The correct sequence is this: the … Continue reading Birdwell Primary School v Fitzgerald: EAT 28 May 2009
An order restricting the right of a person to make application to an employment tribunal without the consent of the EAT, was properly made where the behaviour of the respondent in the past had justified it, despite the fact that no proceedings had been begun recently. In this case it appeared that the respondent had … Continue reading Her Majesty’s Attorney General v Wheen: EAT 18 Apr 2000
An industrial tribunal hearing conducted behind the locked doors of the chairman’s office was not held in public, even if, in fact, no member of the public was prevented from attending. The obligation to sit in public was fundamental, and the tribunal had no jurisdiction to conduct itself in this way. The industrial tribunal system … Continue reading Storer v British Gas plc: CA 25 Feb 2000
The appeal involved a reformulation of arguments run and rejected by the Employment Appeal Tribunal in HMRC v Serra Garau [2017] ICR 1121. Since Garau was not decided per incuriam and is not manifestly wrong, it should be followed: only one mandatory EC process is enacted by the EC provisions in section 18A Employment Tribunals … Continue reading Romero v Nottingham City Council: EAT 26 Apr 2018
The appellant appealed a finding that the respondent had been its employee, saying he was a minister of religion. Held: The judge had been entitled to find an intention to create legal relations, and therefore that the claimant was an employee. ‘The religious beliefs of a community may be such that their manifestation does not … Continue reading The New Testament Church of God v Reverend Stewart: CA 19 Oct 2007
EAT Unfair Dismissal – Constructive dismissalMaternity Rights and Parental Leave – Sex discriminationThe Claimant was employed as a Magistrates’ Clerk and she brought successful claims to the Employment Tribunal that:(a) Ms Slee (‘the Claimant’) had been constructively unfairly dismissed by The Department for Constitutional Affairs (‘the Respondent’);(b) The Respondent had failed to offer to the … Continue reading Secretary of State for Justice v Slee: EAT 19 Jul 2007
The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011
Unfair Dismissal, Practice and Procedure – The EAT considered the meaning of s. 124(5) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and concluded that payments to account should be deducted from the overall award before the applying the statutory cap even if that meant that the employer did not get any benefit from payments to account. … Continue reading Dafiaghor-Olomu v Community Integrated Care: EAT 1 Jun 2022
The claimant had dual Irish and US nationality. He therefore also was a citizen of the EU. He complained that the British rules against payment of job seekers’ allowance were discriminatory. The matter had already been to the ECJ. Held: The residence test as applied was not in contravention of EU law. ‘[T]he proper interpretation … Continue reading Collins v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: CA 4 Apr 2006
The claimants appealed dismissal of their claims for unfair dismissal, on the basis that they had been substantially dismissed as sales agents after rejecting conditions imposed unilaterally by their employers. Their damages had been limited to the loss of the consultation period to which they would have been entitled. Held: The appeal failed. The court … Continue reading Gover and others v Propertycare Ltd: CA 28 Mar 2006
The employees appealed the loss of their case for unfair dismissal. They asserted that the investigation made before the decision to dismiss was made, was inadequate. The EAT was concerned at the apparent weakness of the employer’s investigation, but the real problem was that the tribunal had failed properly to address in its decision the … Continue reading Donnelly, McHarg, Murray v Charnos Plc: EAT 27 Sep 2001
The claimants were dependants of Iraqi nationals killed in Iraq. Held: The Military Police were operating when Britain was an occupying power. The question in each case was whether the Human Rights Act applied to the acts of the defendant. The question amounted to whether the officers acted under State Agent Authority within the convention … Continue reading Regina (on the Application of Mazin Mumaa Galteh Al-Skeini and Others) v The Secretary of State for Defence: CA 21 Dec 2005
VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Protected disclosure The Claimant was employed by the Respondent as an Information Management and Technology Manager between December 2005 and February 2016 when he resigned. By his claim presented in August 2015 and subsequently amended, he made complaints of race discrimination, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing. The latter comprised claims of detriments suffered … Continue reading Arjomand-Sissan v East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust: EAT 17 Apr 2019
The employment tribunal held that it had not been practicable for the council to reinstate Mr D’Souza. He had succeeded in a claim for unfair dismissal and sought reinstatement, but this had been refused. Held: An award of damages was made for the failure to re-instate. Citations: Unreported, 18/10/1995 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See … Continue reading D’Souza v Lambeth Borough Council: EAT 18 Oct 1995
In giving their decision, the court reminded tribunals when preparing their judgments, to make sure the reasons were user friendly. Here time had been wasted with confusion about the Roman Numerals used to number the reasons. Judges: Mummery LJ, Chadwick LJ, Tuckey LJ Citations: [2005] EWCA Civ 133, Times 05-Apr-2005, [2005] IRLR 376 Links: Bailii … Continue reading Williams v J Walter Thompson Group Ltd: CA 17 Feb 2005
The tribunal considered making an order to strike out Lambeth’s case for failure to comply with orders for directions made by the Tribunal. On the question of the circumstances in which a striking out would be justified under rule 4 of the Tribunal rules the Logicrose case was cited. Held: ‘We, for our part, would … Continue reading London Borough of Lambeth v Blandford: EAT 20 May 1997
The applicant was a senior officer seconded to the National Crime Squad. He complained that his secondment had been terminated in a manner which was unfair, and left him tainted without opportunity to reply. He appealed against rejection of his request for judicial review. Held: The appeal failed. Operational matters within the police service, save … Continue reading Regina (Tucker) v Director General of the National Crime Squad: CA 17 Jan 2003
The claimant had been awarded damages for sex discrimination, including a sum of andpound;25,000 for injury to feelings. The respondent appealed. Held: The Court of Appeal looked to see whether there had been an error of law in the employment tribunal decision. It did not look to see whether the Employment Appeal Tribunal had erred … Continue reading Vento v The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police (No 2): CA 20 Dec 2002
The claimants sought damages against the defendants for their late delivery of a building. The contractors sought to share the damages with the architects who had certified the delays, defeating their own claims. Held: The Act sought to extend the circumstances under which contributions could be sought, but their claim against the architects were of … Continue reading Royal Brompton Hospital National Health Service Trust v Hammond and others: HL 25 Apr 2002
English and Scottish are Separate Racial Groups The English and Scottish peoples are recognised as separate racial groups. Discrimination on the basis that someone was English or Scottish was therefore discrimination for the purposes of the 1976 Act. Since Parliament had not amended or defined the concept of national origins when passing the 1976 Act, … Continue reading BBC Scotland v Souster: SCS 7 Dec 2000
UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reason for dismissal including substantial other reason TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS – Varying terms of employment The Claimant was dismissed when the Respondent sought to introduce new terms and conditions to his contract of employment. His pay would be reduced by approximately pounds 5000; his holiday pay may be reduced, and sick pay … Continue reading General Vending Services Ltd (T/A GVS Assist) v Schofield: EAT 4 Mar 2014
JURISDICTIONAL POINTS – 2002 Act and pre-action requirements The employment judge had erred in rejecting a second claim brought by the Claimant against the same two Respondents as an earlier claim (the first claim) brought by him. The first and second claims were claims ‘relating to’ the same ‘matter’ for the purposes of the early … Continue reading Akhigbe v St Edwards Home Ltd and Others: EAT 8 Mar 2019
Contract of Employment : Sick Pay and Holiday Pay CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT – Damages for breach of contract UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reasonableness of dismissal UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Procedural fairness/automatically unfair dismissal WORKING TIME REGULATIONS – Holiday pay VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Dismissal The Appeal Tribunal dismissed an appeal against conclusions that the Appellant had not been … Continue reading Juric v Look Ahead Care Support and Housing: EAT 29 Oct 2018
Pension benefits were held to be the fruits through insurance of moneys set aside in the past in respect of past work and could not be appropriated by a tortfeasor so as to reduce its liability to compensate the victim. Citations: [1991] 2 AC 502 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Longden v … Continue reading Smoker v London Fire and Civil Defence Authority: HL 1991
Where an employee had taken extended maternity leave but was then unable to return for post-natal depression, but she was dismissed, the resumption of her contract on issuing her notice of intention to return revived her sickness rights anew.The applicant had had her claims of unfair dismissal and sex discrimination had been rejected by the … Continue reading Halfpenny v IGE Medical Systems Ltd: CA 18 Dec 1998
The court discussed the test to be applied to an employment to see whether a British court had jurisdiction over it: ‘But in other cases there is more difficulty. I refer particularly to the type of case we have here of the airline pilot. He is based in Great Britain, but ordinarily works for the … Continue reading Todd v British Midland Airways: CA 2 Jan 1978
Female teachers carried out the work of principal teachers but had not been appointed to the promoted post and were paid less than they would have received had they been so appointed. They claimed equal pay with male comparators who were appointed principal teachers. Like work was established and it was agreed that disparity in … Continue reading Strathclyde Regional Council v Wallace: HL 1988
The claimant was a superintendent registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages. His union instructed him not to conduct weddings on Saturdays. He had been told that if he failed to perform his full range of duties on a Saturday (including marriages), he would not be required to attend for work and would not be paid. … Continue reading Miles v Wakefield Metropolitan District Council: HL 1987
No Condemnation Without Opportunity For Defence Ridge, a Chief Constable, had been wrongfully dismissed without being given the opportunity of presenting his defence. He had been acquitted of the charges brought against him, but the judge at trial had made adverse comments about his behaviour. He now accepted that he should leave, but sought to … Continue reading Ridge v Baldwin (No 1): HL 14 Mar 1963
Presumption of Damage in Defamation is rebuttable The defendant complained that the presumption in English law that the victim of a libel had suffered damage was incompatible with his right to a fair trial. They said the statements complained of were repetitions of statements made by US authorities. The claimant had asserted that no more … Continue reading Dow Jones and Co Inc v Jameel: CA 3 Feb 2005
UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissal The Appellant was dismissed with notice on the ground of capability arising from long-term medical absence. His claim for unfair dismissal was dismissed by the Employment Tribunal after a Full Hearing in 2014. The Employment Appeal Tribunal in 2016 concluded that, in its consideration of the reasonableness of the decision … Continue reading Fox v British Airways Plc: EAT 20 Nov 2017
VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Health and Safety In considering a claim under section100(1)(d) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (‘ERA’), there are no arguable grounds for concluding the Tribunal erred. The Tribunal made the necessary findings on the evidence before it to conclude (1) that there were no circumstances of danger; (2) the Claimant did not … Continue reading Hamilton v Solomon and Wu Ltd (Victimisation Discrimination – Health and Safety): EAT 24 Sep 2018
VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Whistleblowing In a whistleblowing claim the issue was whether the Tribunal had correctly interpreted and applied section 43B(1)(b) Employment Rights Act 1996 in two respects; (1) what amounts to an allegation of a breach of a legal obligation and (2) the public interest element in light of the guidance from the Court … Continue reading Ibrahim v HCA International Ltd: EAT 13 Sep 2018
The EAT was asked to decide what the words ‘an email address’ in paragraph 9(2) of schedule 1 of the Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2014/254 meant. The EAT decided that Parliament meant an actual email address. The Appellant had in error supplied an email address that did not exist. … Continue reading Galloway v Wood Group Uk Ltd (Procedure : Meaning of ‘An Email Address’): EAT 18 Jan 2019
The 1987 Regulations provided additional benefits for disabled persons, but excluded from benefit those who had nowhere to sleep. The claimant said this was irrational. He had been receiving the disability premium to his benefits, but this was cancelled when he lost his home. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The disabilty premium, as part of … Continue reading RJM, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: HL 22 Oct 2008
The respondent’s child lived with the estranged father for most of each week. She was obliged to contribute child support. She now lived with a woman, and complained that because her relationship was homosexual, she had been asked to pay more than someone in a heterosexual relationship. Held: The claim failed. The regulations had now … Continue reading Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v M: HL 8 Mar 2006
The claimants had been brought here illegally to act as servants for the defendants. They were taken advantage of and abused. They made several claims, but now appealed against rejection of their claims for discrimination. The court was asked whether discrimination because of, or on grounds of, immigration status amounts to discrimination because of, or … Continue reading Taiwo and Another v Olaigbe and Others: SC 22 Jun 2016
(Northern Ireland) The deceased solicitor was murdered in his home in 1989, allegedly by loyalists. They had never been identified, though collusion between security forces and a loyalist paramilitary was established. The ECHR and a judge led inquiry had said that a proper investigation was required. A promised inquiry under the 2005 Act was objected … Continue reading Finucane, Re Application for Judicial Review: SC 27 Feb 2019
EAT Disability Discrimination: Section 15 – DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Compensation UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reasonableness of dismissal UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Polkey deduction Unfair Dismissal – Section 98 Employment Rights Act 1996 (‘ERA’) Disability Discrimination – discrimination arising from disability – section 15 Equality Act 2010 (‘EqA’) The Employment Tribunal (‘ET’) having found that the Claimant had … Continue reading Monmouthshire County Council v Harris: EAT 23 Oct 2015
EAT Victimisation Discrimination: Protected Disclosure One of the Claimant’s claims that he had made protected disclosures – and been subject to detriment and an automatically unfair dismissal as a result – was based on a written complaint that he and three other lorry drivers at a haulage depot had made. It was a complaint that … Continue reading Underwood v Wincanton Plc: EAT 27 Aug 2015
The union appellant challenged the validity of the imposition of fees on those seeking to lay complaints in the Employment Tribunal system. Held: The appeal succeeded. The fees were discriminatory and restricted access to justice. The consequence of the order had been very substantially to reduce the number of cases coming before the tribunal, and: … Continue reading Unison, Regina (on The Application of) v Lord Chancellor: SC 26 Jul 2017
EAT JURISDICTIONAL POINTS PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Costs The Claimant alleged unfair and/or wrongful dismissal, arising out of a resignation which the Employment Appeal Tribunal found had been made without any notice, and where there had been no repudiatory breach by the employer. Accordingly, the Claimant was not entitled to any award of compensation for … Continue reading Advanced Collection Systems Ltd v Gultekin (Jurisdictional Points): EAT 6 Feb 2015
The claimant (Bradley) and his brother (Ben) were the co-directors of and 40/60 shareholders in the respondent which was a small family company. Bradley worked as site manager at a company site. The brothers were each paid an equal ‘salary’ agreed between them (latterly pounds 1,500 per month) and had PAYE and NI deducted/paid in … Continue reading Rainford v Dorset Aquatics Ltd (Employee, Worker or Self Employed): EAT 8 Dec 2021
[2003] UKEAT 0609 – 01 – 0602 Bailii England and Wales Cited by: Applied – S Singh, R Katechia S Dhillon J Bissember v Ford Motor Company Ltd P S Gill EAT 11-Jun-2004 The Employment Tribunal was wrong to conclude that its jurisdiction under section 13 of Employment Rights Act 1996 was ousted by section … Continue reading Philips Components Ltd v Scott and Another: EAT 6 Feb 2003
EAT Practice and Procedure : Striking-Out/Dismissal – Bias, misconduct and procedural irregularity The Employment Judge made a determination of time limit issues and struck out Further and Better Particulars at a Case Management Discussion. He should not have done so: see rule 17(2) of the Employment Tribunal Rules of Procedure 2004 then applicable. He should … Continue reading Bham v 2Gether NHS Foundation Trust Gloucestershire: EAT 12 Sep 2014
EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reasonableness of dismissal Unfair dismissal – redundancy – reduction in number of employees and re-organisation of business – competitive interviews. The Claimant, deputy director of a business run by the Respondent, applied for a new post created in the course of a reduction in number of members of staff. The Respondent, … Continue reading Somerset County Council v H R Chaloner (Unfair Dismissal : Reasonableness of Dismissal): EAT 14 Oct 2013
The claimant stock broking firm sought to recover its uninsured losses after having paid out for what was said to have been negligent advice by the respondent, a self-employed broker working for them. Held: The power to recover such losses were part of the contract with the broker, and the provision did not offend against … Continue reading Charles Stanley and Co Ltd v Adams: QBD 19 Jul 2013
The appellant challenged reversal by the EAT of a finding that it had not unlawfully victimised the respondents for the making of a protected disclosure. The claimant had reported a co-worker exaggerating his qualifications. After repeated investigations, the employer decided that the apology from the employee was enough. When the claimant persisted the employee who … Continue reading NHS Manchester v Fecitt and Others: CA 25 Oct 2011
met_shawEAT2011 EAT VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – RemedyThe Claimant, an officer in the Metropolitan Police, reported dishonest conduct by a colleague. As a result of his complaint, the colleague and his superior officer had him suspended on unfounded disciplinary charges, which were collusively supported by a more senior officer. The charges were in due course dropped, but … Continue reading Commisioner of Police of The Metropolis v Shaw: EAT 29 Nov 2011
EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE: Restricted reporting orderAfter 12 unsuccessful applications, numerous review applications, all dismissed, and at least 31 appeals, all dismissed or stayed, and substantial and persistent vexatious correspondence, an indefinite Restriction of Proceedings Order made. Burton J [2009] UKEAT 0118 – 09 – 0906 Bailii Employment Tribunals Act 1996 33 England and Wales … Continue reading Attorney General v McCluskey: EAT 9 Jun 2009
Discrimination – History of interactions relevant When a tribunal considered whether the motive for an act was discriminatory, it should look not just at the act, but should make allowance for earlier acts which might throw more light on the act in question. The Tribunal should assess the totality of the evidence on any material … Continue reading Dr Anya v University of Oxford and Another: CA 22 Mar 2001
amnesty_ahmedEAT2009 EAT RACE DISCRIMINATION – Direct discriminationRACE DISCRIMINATION – Indirect discriminationRACE DISCRIMINATION – Protected by s. 41UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Constructive dismissalClaimant, of (northern) Sudanese ethnic origin, applied for promotion to role of ‘Sudan researcher’ for Amnesty International – Not appointed because Amnesty believed that the appointment of a person of her ethnic origin would compromise … Continue reading Amnesty International v Ahmed: EAT 13 Aug 2009
The company appealed against an adverse finding on its holiday pay payments to its pilots, saying that the pay was subject to the 2004 Regulations alone. The Directive suggested that holiday pay should be at normal average rates of pay, but the actual pay excluded bonus rates. The company said that the special regulations applicable … Continue reading British Airways Plc v Williams and Others: CA 3 Apr 2009
Exercise of Prerogative Power is Reviewable The House considered an executive decision made pursuant to powers conferred by a prerogative order. The Minister had ordered employees at GCHQ not to be members of trades unions. Held: The exercise of a prerogative power of a public nature may be, subject to constraints of national security and … Continue reading Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister for the Civil Service: HL 22 Nov 1984
The claimants, airline pilots, and the company disputed the application of the 1998 Regulations to their employment. They sought pay for their annual leave made up of three elements: a proportionate part of the fixed annual sum paid for their services, a supplementary payment which varied according to the time spent flying, and thirdly an … Continue reading British Airways Plc v Williams and Others: SC 17 Oct 2012
The employer wrote to the employee on 29 November 2006 informing her of her dismissal, the letter arrived on the 30th, and she read it on the 4th of December. The employer appealed against a finding that the effective date of dismissal was the date on which she read the letter. Held: The appeal failed. … Continue reading Gisda Cyf v Barratt: CA 2 Jul 2009
EAT AGE DISCRIMINATIONUNFAIR DISMISSAL – Polkey deductionCouncil employee seconded to registered social landlord – Secondment comes to an end, so that he is formally redundant – Employee aged 49 and would be entitled to an early retirement pension if retained in employment to age 50 – Council fails to find him alternative employment or to … Continue reading London Borough of Tower Hamlets v Wooster: EAT 10 Sep 2009
The defendant hospital had custody of sperm samples given by the claimants in the course of fertility treatment. The samples were effectively destroyed when the fridge malfunctioned. Each claimant was undergoing chemotherapy which would prevent them providing future samples. They appealed a finding that they they had no losses, based on the suggestion that the … Continue reading Yearworth and others v North Bristol NHS Trust: CA 4 Feb 2009
The claimant telecoms companies objected to a proposed scheme for future licensing of available spectrum. The scheme anticipated a bias in favour of auctioniung such content. It was not agreed whether any challenge to the decision should be by way of appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal or by judicial review. The CAT had declined … Continue reading T-Mobile (Uk) Ltd. and Another v Office of Communications: CA 12 Dec 2008
Car Valeters contracts misdescribed their Duties The claimants worked cleaning cars for the appellants. They said that as workers they were entitled to holiday pay. The appellant said they were self-employed. Held: The contract purported to give rights which were not genuine, and the employment judge was entitled to reach that conclusion. The contractors were … Continue reading Autoclenz Ltd v Belcher and Others: CA 13 Oct 2009
The Court was asked as to: ‘the liability for Value Added Tax of a company which markets and arranges holiday accommodation through an on-line website. The outcome turns on the appropriate characterisation of the relationship between the company, the operators of the hotels, and the holiday-makers or their travel agents (which is an English law … Continue reading Revenue and Customs v Secret Hotels2 Ltd: SC 5 Mar 2014
EAT The EAT considered the employer’s duties to consult on making redundancies. The ET had found that company had satisfied the requirements. The Union argued that the duty to consult arose as soon as redundancies were contemplated. Held: The Union’s appeal failed. There was no error of law. What counted as ‘good time’: ‘is not … Continue reading MSF v Refuge Assurance Plc, United Friendly Insurance: EAT 15 Feb 2002
EAT CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENTConstruction of termThe Employment Tribunal erred in construing the terms and conditions of employment as permitting the employer to transfer the employee to another location, providing it was reasonable to do so. [2009] UKEAT 0410 – 08 – 1908, [2009] ICR 1563, [2009] IRLR 972 Bailii Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) … Continue reading Tapere v South London and Maudsley NHS Trust: EAT 19 Aug 2009
H and W, though very elderly, set out for a divorce. A former son-in-law now appealed against a costs order made against him as an intervener under the 1996 Act. The parties disputed his right to appeal without permission. Held: Under the Family Rules, no consent would be required. 1996 Act proceedings would not be … Continue reading Baker v Rowe: CA 6 Nov 2009
The claimant had been employed as a consultant orthodontist. She resigned claiming constructive dismissal and sex and race discrimination. The EAT reversed the findings on discrimination saying that they had not been sufficiently pleaded. The Court of Session re-instated the discrimination findings and the Board now appealed. Held: The Board’s appeal failed. Although the positions … Continue reading Hewage v Grampian Health Board: SC 25 Jul 2012
bateman_asdaEAT2010 EAT CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT: Incorporation into contract Asda wished to ensure that their entire store staff were employed on the same pay and work structure and this meant that those on the old regime had to transfer to a new regime. Some 9,330 employees agreed, but some did not. So when the new regime … Continue reading Bateman and Others v Asda Stores Ltd: EAT 11 Feb 2010
‘Manifestly Inapproproiate’ is a general Test The Appellant was employed as Senior Project Leader – Technology. The Respondent raised issues about his performance. On 26 January 2016 an informal performance management process commenced and objectives were set, with targets to be measured in June 2016, October 2016 and January 2017. Before those deadlines arrived, his … Continue reading Fallahi v TWI Ltd (Unfair Dismissal): EAT 17 Aug 2021
A court should take great care before setting aside a decision of a judge which had involved the exercise of a judicial discretion. The court considered the duty of an appellate court in a children case: ‘What this court should seek to do is to answer the question whether the court discerns a wrongness in … Continue reading G v G (Minors: Custody appeal): CA 1985
Each claimant had graduated from a tertiary college and wished to stay on in the UK. They challenged the points based system for assessing elgibility introduced in 2008 after they had commenced their studies. The new rules tightened the criteria for staying. Held: The appeals succeeded. By 1969, immigration rules had by law shed the … Continue reading Secretary of State for The Home Department v Pankina: CA 23 Jun 2010
The Industrial Tribunal has no jurisdiction to consider and rule upon other acts of racial discrimination not included in the complaints in the Originating Application. Racial discrimination may be established as a matter of direct primary fact. ‘More often racial discrimination will have to be established, if at all, as a matter of inference. It … Continue reading Chapman and Another v Simon: CA 1994