Claimant v Mr R Milroy

Outcome

Facts

The claimant brought an employment claim against Mr Milroy, but the nature of the claim was unclear and contained matters potentially outside the tribunal's jurisdiction. The claimant failed to attend a case management hearing on 19 August 2025 and was expressly warned that failure to attend the next hearing could result in dismissal. She was ordered to provide a witness statement and documents by 11 September 2025 but failed to comply. At the preliminary hearing on 31 October 2025 listed to consider time limit issues, the claimant again failed to attend. The tribunal delayed the start and made multiple attempts to contact her by phone and email but received no response until 10:39am, after the hearing had concluded at 10:34am, when she sent a brief email saying she could not join.

Decision

Employment Judge Russell dismissed the claim under Rule 47 for the claimant's failure to attend the hearing. The tribunal found the claimant had failed to attend two hearings, failed to comply with tribunal orders, provided no adequate explanation for non-attendance despite having access to email and telephone, and had taken no active steps to pursue her claim. The judge considered it proportionate and in accordance with the overriding objective to dismiss rather than adjourn further.

Practical note

Legal authorities cited