Cases6023478/2024

Claimant v Epic Print Limited

7 October 2025Before Employment Judge K RichardsonSouthamptonremote video

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£39,697

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The Tribunal found the dismissal was unfair. The respondent unreasonably failed to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, justifying a 5% uplift on the compensatory award under s.207A TULR(C)A 1992.

Facts

Simon Clacher was employed by Epic Print Limited for approximately 20 years and 6 months. He was dismissed on 14 October 2024. The respondent failed to follow proper disciplinary procedures in accordance with the ACAS Code. Following dismissal, the claimant undertook some work earning £4,862.90 between October and December 2024, and secured new employment from 24 March 2025 at a lower salary of £27,000 per annum compared to his previous salary of approximately £40,000.

Decision

The Tribunal found the dismissal was unfair. The respondent unreasonably failed to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, warranting a 5% uplift on the compensatory award. The Tribunal awarded a total of £39,696.55 comprising basic award of £15,458.50, compensatory award of £18,990.44, pension loss, and £500 for loss of statutory rights. Mitigation from interim and new employment was deducted from the award.

Practical note

Failure to follow the ACAS disciplinary Code can result in up to 25% uplift in compensation, and tribunals will carefully calculate mitigation where claimants find interim or lower-paid new employment.

Award breakdown

Basic award£15,459
Compensatory award£18,990
Pension loss£1,454
Loss of statutory rights£500

Award equivalent: 51.6 weeks' gross pay

Adjustments

ACAS uplift+5%

Respondent unreasonably failed to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 2015

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 s.207AEmployment Protection (Recoupment of Benefits) Regulations 1996

Case details

Case number
6023478/2024
Decision date
7 October 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
2
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
manufacturing
Represented
Yes
Rep type
in house

Employment details

Salary band
£40,000–£50,000
Service
21 years

Claimant representation

Represented
No