Cases2413640/2023

Claimant v West Lancashire Borough Council

10 October 2025Before Employment Judge BensonLiverpool

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found the complaint of unfair dismissal was not well-founded and dismissed it following a full merits hearing with oral reasons provided.

Whistleblowingfailed

The tribunal found the complaint of being subjected to detriment for making a protected disclosure was not well-founded and dismissed it following a full merits hearing with oral reasons provided.

Facts

Ms Breakell was employed by West Lancashire Borough Council and was dismissed. She brought claims of unfair dismissal and whistleblowing detriment, claiming she had been subjected to detriment for making protected disclosures. The case was heard over six days before a full tribunal panel with oral reasons given.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed both the unfair dismissal and whistleblowing detriment claims, finding them not well-founded. All other claims had been withdrawn by the claimant. The tribunal provided oral reasons at the hearing but did not provide written reasons in the judgment document.

Practical note

A claimant represented by a family member as a lay representative was unsuccessful in both unfair dismissal and whistleblowing detriment claims against a local authority employer.

Case details

Case number
2413640/2023
Decision date
10 October 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
6
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
public sector
Represented
Yes
Rep type
solicitor

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep