Cases2500681/2025

Claimant v Royale Oceanic International Limited

19 August 2025Before Employment Judge SweeneyNorth Easton papers

Outcome

Default judgment

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found the unfair dismissal claim well founded under Rule 22, indicating the respondent failed to respond to the claim and the tribunal was satisfied on the available material that the claimant was unfairly dismissed.

Redundancy Paysucceeded

The claim for statutory redundancy payment under section 163 ERA 1996 was found well founded under Rule 22, with the respondent failing to participate in proceedings.

Breach of Contractsucceeded

The claim for notice pay succeeded under Rule 22, suggesting the respondent failed to provide proper notice or payment in lieu and did not defend the claim.

Facts

D Richmond brought claims against Royale Oceanic International Limited for unfair dismissal, statutory redundancy payment, and notice pay. The respondent failed to respond to the claim or participate in the proceedings. The tribunal determined liability under Rule 22 of the Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2024, which allows judgment to be entered when a respondent fails to present a response.

Decision

Employment Judge Sweeney found all three claims well founded and succeeding under Rule 22. The tribunal ordered a remedy hearing to determine the quantum of awards for unfair dismissal, statutory redundancy payment, and notice pay. This was a liability-only judgment issued on 19 August 2025.

Practical note

Rule 22 default judgments demonstrate the importance of respondents engaging with tribunal proceedings, as failure to respond can result in automatic liability findings requiring only remedy determination.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Rights Act 1996 s.163Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2024 Rule 22

Case details

Case number
2500681/2025
Decision date
19 August 2025
Hearing type
rule 21
Hearing days
Classification
default

Respondent

Sector
other
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
No