Claimant v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the complaint of unfair dismissal was not well founded and dismissed it after a two-day merits hearing. Reasons were given orally and not reduced to writing as no party requested written reasons within the permitted timeframe.
The tribunal found the complaint of wrongful dismissal was not well founded and dismissed it. The claim was heard alongside the unfair dismissal claim and the tribunal concluded there was no breach of contract in the manner of dismissal.
Facts
Mrs Rainbird was employed by the Department for Work and Pensions and was subsequently dismissed. She brought claims for both unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal. The case was heard over two days by video hearing with both parties represented by counsel. Oral reasons for the judgment were provided at the hearing.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed both the unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims, finding neither to be well founded. The tribunal gave oral reasons at the conclusion of the hearing and no party requested written reasons within the 14-day timeframe.
Practical note
Without written reasons, the substantive basis for dismissing both claims cannot be determined, highlighting the importance of requesting written reasons when a full merits hearing results in complete failure of the claims.
Case details
- Case number
- 6018610/2024
- Decision date
- 26 June 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 2
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Name
- Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
- Sector
- central government
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister