Cases2501670/2024

Claimant v Mrs C Dixon

26 June 2025Before Employment Judge HeatherNewcastle upon Tynein person

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£3,618

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found the complaint of unfair dismissal to be well-founded and determined the claimant was unfairly dismissed. However, the tribunal applied a 50% Polkey reduction, finding there was a 50% chance the claimant would have been fairly dismissed in any event. The respondent also unreasonably failed to follow the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.

Facts

Mrs Hellawell was employed by Mrs Dixon and was subsequently dismissed. Both parties represented themselves at a two-day hearing. The tribunal heard evidence regarding the dismissal and the procedures followed.

Decision

The tribunal found the dismissal was unfair but applied a 50% Polkey reduction as there was a 50% chance of fair dismissal. The respondent failed to follow the ACAS Code, resulting in a 10% uplift. The claimant was awarded £3,618.16 comprising basic and compensatory awards.

Practical note

Even where dismissal is unfair, substantial Polkey reductions can significantly reduce compensation, and failure to follow ACAS procedures will result in automatic uplifts of 10-25%.

Award breakdown

Basic award£1,100
Compensatory award£2,519

Adjustments

Polkey reduction50%

50% chance that the claimant would have been fairly dismissed in any event

ACAS uplift+10%

Respondent unreasonably failed to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 2015

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 s.207A

Case details

Case number
2501670/2024
Decision date
26 June 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
2
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
other
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
No