Cases3305312/2024

Claimant v Chef's Eye Tech Limited

4 June 2025Before Employment Judge BradfordWatfordremote video

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found that the complaint of unfair dismissal contrary to Part X Employment Rights Act 1996 was not well-founded following a two-day hearing where the claimant appeared in person and the respondent was represented.

Wrongful Dismissalfailed

The tribunal determined that the claimant's claim for wrongful dismissal (notice pay) was not well-founded after hearing evidence from both parties over two days.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagesfailed

The claim of unauthorised deductions from wages contrary to Part II Employment Rights Act 1996 covering the period from August 2022 to February 2024 was found not to be well-founded by the tribunal.

Facts

Mr Kovacs brought claims against Chef's Eye Tech Limited for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and unauthorised deductions from wages covering the period from August 2022 to February 2024. The case was heard over two days via video at Watford Employment Tribunal. The claimant represented himself while the respondent was represented by a litigation consultant.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed all three claims brought by the claimant, finding that none were well-founded. Oral reasons were given at the hearing but written reasons were not automatically provided.

Practical note

The judgment demonstrates that self-represented claimants face significant challenges in successfully proving unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and wages claims against represented employers.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

ERA 1996 Part XERA 1996 Part II

Case details

Case number
3305312/2024
Decision date
4 June 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
2
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
technology
Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep

Claimant representation

Represented
No