Claimant v University College London
Outcome
Individual claims
The claimant applied for interim relief under whistleblowing provisions. The tribunal found he was not 'likely' to succeed at full hearing on establishing protected disclosures or causation. The tribunal could not conclude he reasonably believed alleged disclosures tended to show wrongdoing or were in the public interest, and there was a plausible alternative reason for dismissal (some other substantial reason - breakdown in trust and confidence). Application dismissed.
Facts
Dr Alnasir was employed by UCL as a senior research infrastructure developer from November 2023. Disputes arose about his role in relation to the Condenser research platform. He raised multiple concerns internally and externally, which he characterized as protected disclosures about misuse of research funding and procedural failings. He brought grievances against multiple managers, refused to engage with line management, and declined to participate in internal processes. He was dismissed in July 2025 for some other substantial reason (breakdown in trust and confidence) after a hearing he refused to attend.
Decision
The tribunal refused the claimant's application for interim relief. It found he was not 'likely' to establish that he made protected disclosures or that any such disclosures were the sole or principal reason for dismissal. There was a plausible competing explanation (SOSR dismissal for relationship breakdown) supported by extensive evidence, and the decision-maker was independent and uninfluenced by the alleged protected disclosures.
Practical note
An interim relief application will fail where the tribunal cannot conclude on summary assessment that the claimant is likely to show he reasonably believed disclosures tended to show wrongdoing, or where there is a plausible alternative reason for dismissal with substantial evidential support.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6027931/2025
- Decision date
- 29 August 2025
- Hearing type
- interim relief
- Hearing days
- 0.5
- Classification
- procedural
Respondent
- Sector
- education
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Employment details
- Role
- Senior Research Infrastructure Developer for Social Sciences
- Service
- 2 years
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No