Claimant v The Lighthouse Federation
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the claim for constructive unfair dismissal contrary to s95(1)(c) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 was well founded. The claimant successfully established that she was constructively dismissed, meaning the respondents' conduct amounted to a fundamental breach of contract entitling her to resign and treat herself as dismissed.
Facts
Mrs A Riley was employed in an education setting involving The Lighthouse Federation and the Governing Body of Moorcroft Primary School. The case was heard over three days in May and June 2025. This is a liability judgment only, with remedy to be determined separately.
Decision
The tribunal found in favour of the claimant on her claim for constructive unfair dismissal under s95(1)(c) ERA 1996. The respondents' conduct was found to constitute a fundamental breach of contract entitling the claimant to resign and treat herself as dismissed.
Practical note
This case reinforces that employers in the education sector must avoid conduct amounting to fundamental breach of the employment contract, as employees retain the right to resign and claim constructive dismissal.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 1307768/2023
- Decision date
- 24 June 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 3
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- education
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister