Cases6017825/2024

Claimant v Hobbs Recovery Service

7 November 2025Before Employment Judge M Da CostaLondon Southremote video

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found that the respondent had a potentially fair reason to dismiss under section 98(2)(b) of the Employment Rights Act 1996. The tribunal concluded that the respondent acted reasonably in treating this reason as sufficient for dismissal within the meaning of section 98(4), meeting the requirements for a fair dismissal.

Facts

Mr Paul Chenery brought a claim of unfair dismissal against his former employer, Hobbs Recovery Service. The respondent was represented by its director, Mr Malcolm Hobbs, and HR consultant Ms Anne-Marie Went. The claimant represented himself. The case was heard over two days via video link at the London South Employment Tribunal.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed the unfair dismissal claim, finding that the respondent had a potentially fair reason for dismissal under section 98(2)(b) of the Employment Rights Act 1996, and that the respondent acted reasonably in treating this as a sufficient reason for dismissal under section 98(4).

Practical note

The tribunal found that the dismissal was both substantively and procedurally fair, with the employer meeting the statutory requirements for a fair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

ERA 1996 s.94ERA 1996 s.98(2)(b)ERA 1996 s.98(4)ERA 1996 s.111(1)

Case details

Case number
6017825/2024
Decision date
7 November 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
2
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
professional services
Represented
No
Rep type
self

Claimant representation

Represented
No