Cases3310765/2024

Claimant v National Probation Service

12 September 2025Before Employment Judge David HughesWatfordremote video

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Otherfailed

The tribunal found that the Claimant was not an employee of the Respondent at the relevant time. As a result, the tribunal had no jurisdiction to determine the claim, and it was dismissed.

Facts

Mr Waltress brought a claim against the National Probation Service. At a preliminary hearing held remotely, the tribunal considered whether Mr Waltress was an employee of the Respondent at the relevant time. The Claimant appeared in person while the Respondent was represented by counsel.

Decision

The tribunal determined that Mr Waltress was not an employee of the National Probation Service at the relevant time. As employee status is a jurisdictional requirement for bringing certain employment tribunal claims, the tribunal dismissed the claim for lack of jurisdiction.

Practical note

Employment status is a threshold jurisdictional issue that tribunals must determine before considering the merits of claims requiring employee (rather than worker) status.

Legal authorities cited

Case details

Case number
3310765/2024
Decision date
12 September 2025
Hearing type
preliminary
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
public sector
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No