Cases6008788/2025

Claimant v Square Leisure and Entertainment Limited

27 November 2025Before Employment Judge HawksworthReadingin person

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Otherstruck out

The claim was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction because the claimant failed to comply with the mandatory requirement under section 18A of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996 to notify Acas and obtain an early conciliation certificate before presenting the claim. Alternatively, it was struck out for having no reasonable prospect of success and/or non-compliance with tribunal procedure rules.

Facts

Mr Saada brought an employment claim against Square Leisure and Entertainment Limited but failed to attend the hearing. The tribunal found that he had not complied with the mandatory requirement to contact Acas and obtain an early conciliation certificate before filing his claim.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed the claim on the ground that it had no jurisdiction to consider it due to the claimant's failure to comply with section 18A of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996. Alternatively, the claim was struck out for having no reasonable prospect of success and for non-compliance with tribunal rules.

Practical note

Compliance with mandatory ACAS early conciliation is a jurisdictional prerequisite to bringing an employment tribunal claim, and failure to obtain an early conciliation certificate will result in dismissal regardless of the merits.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Tribunals Act 1996 s.18A

Case details

Case number
6008788/2025
Decision date
27 November 2025
Hearing type
strike out
Hearing days
1
Classification
procedural

Respondent

Sector
hospitality
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No