Claimant v Royal Mail Group (International Distribution Services)
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal dismissed the unfair dismissal claims for lack of jurisdiction. The claimant had less than 2 years of continuous service at the time of dismissal, which is the statutory qualifying period required to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Facts
Mr Patel brought unfair dismissal claims against Royal Mail Group. The claimant appeared in person with the assistance of an interpreter, Ms Dossani. The respondent was represented by Ms McGovern, a solicitor. This was a preliminary hearing held at Watford to determine whether the tribunal had jurisdiction to hear the claims.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed the unfair dismissal claims for lack of jurisdiction. Employment Judge Cowen found that the claimant had less than 2 years of continuous service at the time of his dismissal, which is the statutory qualifying period required under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Practical note
Claimants must have at least two years' continuous service to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim, absent any automatic unfair dismissal provisions.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 3313446/2023
- Decision date
- 4 November 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- logistics
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No