Claimant v The Spanish Way FC LTD
Outcome
Individual claims
The claim for unauthorised deductions from wages was withdrawn by the claimant and dismissed by the tribunal.
The claim for accrued holiday pay was withdrawn by the claimant and dismissed by the tribunal.
The tribunal found the claimant did not give the required two months' written notice as required by clause 8.1 of her employment contract. Her WhatsApp message indicated she did not consider the role suitable and wished not to continue, rather than tendering formal notice. Therefore she had no contractual entitlement to payment in lieu of notice.
Facts
The claimant was employed for approximately 9 days from 10 February 2025. Her employment contract required two months' written notice from either party. On 24 February 2025, she sent a WhatsApp message indicating the role was not the right fit and her work style clashed with the respondent's approach, but did not formally tender two months' notice. The respondent confirmed immediate resignation and the claimant performed no further work. She subsequently claimed payment for a notice period of approximately two weeks.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed the claim for notice pay. The claimant did not qualify for statutory notice under section 86 ERA 1996 as she lacked one month's service. The tribunal found she had no contractual entitlement to payment in lieu of notice because she did not give the required two months' written notice under clause 8.1 of her contract, instead merely indicating the role was unsuitable and she wished not to continue.
Practical note
An employee who resigns without giving contractual notice has no entitlement to payment in lieu of that notice period, even if the employer accepts an immediate departure.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6017728/2025
- Decision date
- 17 October 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- other
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No