Claimant v Kanlungan Filipino Consortium
Outcome
Individual claims
Interim relief application granted. Tribunal found claimant had a 'pretty good chance' of establishing that the sole or principal reason for her dismissal was that she made protected disclosures about misappropriation of charitable funds and retaliatory dismissal of staff. Full merits hearing not yet determined.
Facts
Claimant was Programme Manager employed from May 2022 at £2,600 per month. She participated in collective grievance in October 2024 alleging misappropriation of charitable funds. Five colleagues who also participated were summarily dismissed in November 2024. Claimant was suspended, then dismissed for gross misconduct in March 2025 after disciplinary process. Dismissal letter placed considerable emphasis on her allegations about misappropriation and that she disclosed these concerns externally to Charity Commission and funders. Respondent disputed she was an employee from May 2024 onwards.
Decision
Tribunal granted interim relief. Judge found claimant had a pretty good chance of establishing she remained an employee throughout, made protected disclosures about misappropriation of funds and retaliatory dismissals, and that these disclosures were the sole or principal reason for her dismissal. Respondent given two working days to notify whether it would reinstate/re-engage, otherwise continuation of contract order at £2,600 gross per month.
Practical note
Interim relief can be granted where dismissal swiftly follows whistleblowing even where employer follows disciplinary procedure, particularly where dismissal reasons focus heavily on the protected disclosures themselves and where colleagues making same disclosures were summarily dismissed.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6009298/2025
- Decision date
- 1 August 2025
- Hearing type
- interim relief
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- charity
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Employment details
- Role
- Programme Manager
- Salary band
- £30,000–£40,000
- Service
- 3 years
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor