Claimant v London North Eastern Railway Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that while it was not reasonably practicable for the claimant to submit his unfair dismissal claim within the statutory time limit, the claim was not submitted within a reasonable time thereafter. As a result, the tribunal determined it did not have jurisdiction to hear the claim and dismissed it.
Facts
Mr Butterworth brought an unfair dismissal claim against London North Eastern Railway Limited. The claim was filed outside the statutory time limit. A preliminary hearing was held to determine whether the tribunal had jurisdiction to hear the claim given the time limit issue.
Decision
The tribunal found that while it was not reasonably practicable for the claimant to submit his claim within the statutory time limit, he had not submitted it within a reasonable time thereafter. The tribunal therefore dismissed the claim for lack of jurisdiction.
Practical note
Even where a claimant satisfies the 'not reasonably practicable' test for late submission, they must still submit their claim within a reasonable time thereafter or the tribunal will have no jurisdiction to hear it.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 1800398/2025
- Decision date
- 12 June 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- transport
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep