Cases1304609/2023

Claimant v Mr M Carter trading as Independent Ground Maintenance

3 June 2025Before Employment Judge J ConnollyMidlands West

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£11,829

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found the claimant was unfairly dismissed. The tribunal awarded a basic award, compensatory award including notice pay and holiday pay, and loss of statutory rights, indicating the dismissal was procedurally and substantively unfair.

Breach of Contractsucceeded

The tribunal awarded notice pay of £3,046.20 reflecting 12 weeks' notice at gross pay, indicating the respondent failed to provide proper notice or pay in lieu of notice upon termination.

Holiday Paysucceeded

The tribunal awarded £413.00 for holiday accrued but not taken, finding the respondent had failed to pay the claimant for accrued but untaken holiday entitlement upon termination.

Facts

Mrs Carter was employed by her husband Mr Carter trading as Independent Ground Maintenance. She was dismissed from her employment. The respondent had failed to provide her with a written statement of employment particulars. She brought claims for unfair dismissal, notice pay, and holiday pay to the tribunal.

Decision

The tribunal unanimously found in favour of the claimant on all claims. She was awarded £11,320.85 for unfair dismissal (including basic award, notice pay, holiday pay, and loss of statutory rights) plus an additional £507.70 for failure to provide written particulars, totalling £11,828.55.

Practical note

Even in small family businesses, employers must comply with basic employment law obligations including providing written terms, following fair dismissal procedures, and paying notice and accrued holiday on termination.

Award breakdown

Basic award£7,362
Compensatory award£3,959
Notice pay£3,046
Holiday pay£413
Loss of statutory rights£500

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Act 2002 s.38Employment Protection (Recoupment of Benefits) Regulations 1996

Case details

Case number
1304609/2023
Decision date
3 June 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
agriculture
Represented
No

Employment details

Claimant representation

Represented
No