Claimant v Southern Grid Utilities Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the claimant was unfairly dismissed. The respondent did not attend to defend the claim. The tribunal awarded compensation comprising a basic award calculated on statutory entitlement and a compensatory award for specific losses.
The tribunal found the claimant was wrongfully dismissed, having been dismissed without proper notice. The respondent failed to provide the statutory five weeks' notice to which the claimant was entitled based on his length of service.
The tribunal determined the claimant was not entitled to a statutory redundancy payment, likely because the dismissal was not by reason of redundancy or other disqualifying factors applied.
Facts
Mr Justin Cooper was employed by Southern Grid Utilities Ltd (formerly R & M Contractors Ltd) for five complete years in a role earning £1,425 gross per week. He was 54 years old at the effective date of termination. The respondent dismissed him without providing proper notice and failed to pay for required qualifications. The respondent did not attend the hearing to defend the claims.
Decision
The tribunal found in favour of the claimant on unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims, awarding total compensation of £15,375 comprising basic and compensatory awards for unfair dismissal and damages for notice pay. The claim for statutory redundancy payment was rejected.
Practical note
Where a respondent fails to attend a hearing, a tribunal can make a default judgment for a claimant on unfair and wrongful dismissal claims based on uncontested evidence, but will still assess each claim on its merits.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 6017658/2024
- Decision date
- 1 December 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- energy
- Represented
- No
Employment details
- Service
- 5 years
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No