Claimant v The Zoological Society of Wales (The Welsh Mountain Zoo)
Outcome
Individual claims
The complaint was not brought within the statutory period of three months beginning with the effective date of termination, and the tribunal found it was reasonably practicable for the complaint to have been brought within that period. Therefore the claim was dismissed as out of time.
The complaints were not brought within the period of three months beginning with the date of the latest act complained of. The tribunal considered whether to extend time on just and equitable grounds but declined to do so, resulting in dismissal of the complaints.
Facts
Miss Johnston was employed by The Zoological Society of Wales (The Welsh Mountain Zoo) and her employment was terminated. She subsequently brought claims for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination, but the claims were filed outside the statutory time limits of three months from the effective date of termination and the last discriminatory act respectively.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed all claims on jurisdictional grounds due to being brought out of time. For unfair dismissal, the tribunal found it was reasonably practicable to bring the claim in time. For sex discrimination, the tribunal declined to extend time on just and equitable grounds.
Practical note
Claimants must strictly observe statutory time limits and be prepared to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify extensions, particularly where it was reasonably practicable to have brought claims in time.
Legal authorities cited
Case details
- Case number
- 6010695/2025
- Decision date
- 18 December 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- other
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No