Claimant v University of Southampton
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal dismissed the unfair dismissal claim after a two-day hearing. The judgment does not provide detailed written reasons, but the claim was not upheld following consideration of the evidence presented by both parties.
The tribunal found that the claimant was dismissed in breach of contract in respect of notice. The respondent failed to provide the claimant with proper notice pay as required under the employment contract, constituting a wrongful dismissal.
Facts
Ms Grodecka was employed by the University of Southampton and was subsequently dismissed. She brought claims for unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal based on breach of contract relating to notice pay. The hearing took place over two days in August 2025 before Employment Judge Dawson sitting alone.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed the unfair dismissal claim but found in favour of the claimant on wrongful dismissal, concluding that she was dismissed in breach of contract in respect of notice. The respondent was ordered to pay damages of £8,040 representing unpaid notice pay.
Practical note
An employer may successfully defend an unfair dismissal claim on substantive or procedural grounds while still being liable for wrongful dismissal where contractual notice obligations are not met.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 1401863/2024
- Decision date
- 19 August 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 2
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- education
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep