Claimant v The Grove Independent School Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the claimant's dismissal was unfair, though no compensation was awarded. The respondent did not attend the hearing to defend the claim.
The tribunal found the respondent had unlawfully deducted wages from the claimant's salary up to 22 December 2023, awarding £740.36 in unpaid salary.
The tribunal found the respondent breached the claimant's contract by failing to pay notice pay, awarding £4,614.24 representing the contractual notice period.
The tribunal found the respondent failed to comply with collective consultation obligations, resulting in a protective award of 90 days (the maximum period) covering 22 December 2023 to 21 March 2024.
Facts
The claimant was employed by Grove Independent School Limited until 22 December 2023. The respondent failed to pay the claimant's full salary up to that date and did not pay notice pay following termination. The respondent also failed to comply with collective consultation requirements when dismissing employees. The respondent did not attend the tribunal hearing to defend the claims.
Decision
The tribunal upheld all claims: unfair dismissal (though no compensation awarded), unlawful deduction of wages, breach of contract for notice pay, and failure to inform and consult. The tribunal awarded a maximum 90-day protective award and compensation totalling £13,934.66.
Practical note
When an employer fails to engage with tribunal proceedings, claimants can succeed on properly pleaded claims including obtaining the maximum protective award for collective consultation failures.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 3305251/2024
- Decision date
- 4 July 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- education
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister