Cases1307811/2023

Claimant v Staffordshire County Council

29 May 2025Before Employment Judge KightBirmingham

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Detrimentfailed

The tribunal found that the complaint of being subjected to detriment for making a protected disclosure (whistleblowing) was not well-founded and dismissed the claim.

Automatic Unfair Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found that the complaint of automatic unfair dismissal for making a protected disclosure (whistleblowing) was not well-founded and dismissed the claim.

Facts

Mrs Parker was employed by Staffordshire County Council and alleged she made protected disclosures (whistleblowing). She claimed she was subjected to detriments as a result of these disclosures and was ultimately dismissed for making them. The case was heard over three days in Birmingham before a full tribunal panel.

Decision

The tribunal unanimously dismissed both claims. The tribunal found that Mrs Parker's complaint of being subjected to detriment for making a protected disclosure was not well-founded, and her complaint of automatic unfair dismissal for making a protected disclosure was also not well-founded.

Practical note

A claimant alleging whistleblowing detriment and automatic unfair dismissal must establish both that qualifying disclosures were made and that any detriment or dismissal was causally linked to those disclosures.

Case details

Case number
1307811/2023
Decision date
29 May 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
3
Classification
contested

Respondent

Name
Staffordshire County Council
Sector
local government
Represented
Yes
Rep type
solicitor

Claimant representation

Represented
No