Cases→2305316/2024

Claimant v Spider Ltd (in liquidation)

4 July 2025Before Employment Judge RobinsonLondon Southremote video

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£140,200

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found that the claimant was unfairly dismissed by the respondent. The respondent did not attend to defend the claim. The tribunal awarded a compensatory award of £105,000, with the basic award having already been paid on dismissal.

Direct Discrimination(disability)succeeded

The tribunal found that the respondent directly discriminated against the claimant on grounds of disability contrary to section 13 of the Equality Act 2010. This claim formed part of the injury to feelings award totalling £35,200.

Discrimination Arising from Disability (s.15)(disability)succeeded

The tribunal found that the respondent engaged in discrimination arising from disability contrary to section 15 of the Equality Act 2010. This claim formed part of the injury to feelings award totalling £35,200.

Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments(disability)succeeded

The tribunal found that the respondent failed to make reasonable adjustments contrary to sections 20 and 21 of the Equality Act 2010. This claim formed part of the injury to feelings award totalling £35,200.

Harassment(disability)withdrawn

The harassment claim was dismissed upon withdrawal by the claimant.

Facts

Mrs Dovey was employed by Spider Ltd and was dismissed. She had a disability and brought claims of unfair dismissal and various disability discrimination claims including direct discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, and failure to make reasonable adjustments. Spider Ltd went into liquidation and did not attend the hearing to defend the claims. A basic award had already been paid to the claimant on dismissal.

Decision

The tribunal found all claims succeeded except harassment which was withdrawn. The tribunal awarded £105,000 compensatory award for unfair dismissal and £35,200 injury to feelings for the combined disability discrimination claims. The respondent did not attend the hearing.

Practical note

Where a respondent company is in liquidation and does not attend, claimants can still succeed on all substantive claims and obtain substantial compensatory and injury to feelings awards, though enforcement may prove difficult.

Award breakdown

Compensatory award£105,000
Injury to feelings£35,200

Vento band: upper

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

EqA 2010 s.13EqA 2010 s.15EqA 2010 s.20EqA 2010 s.21

Case details

Case number
2305316/2024
Decision date
4 July 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Name
Spider Ltd (in liquidation)
Sector
other
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister
Search for this judgment on GOV.UK →