Claimant v Astra Zeneca UK Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
The claim was not presented within the applicable statutory time limit and the tribunal found it was reasonably practicable for the claimant to have presented the claim in time. The claim was therefore dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.
Facts
Mr Thomas Bell brought a claim of unfair dismissal against his former employer Astra Zeneca UK Ltd. The claim was heard at a preliminary hearing to determine whether it had been presented within the applicable time limit. The claimant was represented by his mother, Mrs Lesley Mountain, while the respondent was represented by counsel.
Decision
Employment Judge Ganner dismissed the unfair dismissal claim on the basis that it was not presented within the applicable statutory time limit and that it was reasonably practicable for the claimant to have presented the claim in time. The tribunal therefore had no jurisdiction to hear the claim.
Practical note
Claimants must ensure unfair dismissal claims are presented within three months less one day of the effective date of termination, and the 'reasonable practicability' escape clause is narrowly construed by tribunals.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6005886/2025
- Decision date
- 30 October 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- healthcare
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep