Claimant v Securitas Security Services (UK) Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
This was a preliminary hearing on the respondent's strike-out application. The tribunal struck out certain alleged protected disclosures (specifically vague statements like 'things went too far' and 'things were getting worse') and one detriment allegation on grounds that the claimant had no reasonable prospect of establishing them. Other parts of the whistleblowing claim appear to continue.
The respondent applied to strike out detriment allegations. The tribunal struck out Detriment #4 on the basis the claimant had no reasonable prospect of showing it was a detriment suffered on the ground of protected disclosures. Other detriment allegations appear to remain.
Facts
The claimant brought whistleblowing claims against his security services employer. The respondent applied at a preliminary hearing to strike out certain alleged protected disclosures and detriment allegations on grounds the claimant had no reasonable prospect of establishing them. The tribunal partially granted the application, striking out vague statements within Protected Disclosures #2 and #3 and removing Detriment #4 entirely.
Decision
The tribunal struck out specific parts of the claimant's whistleblowing claim under Rule 38(a) where allegations were too vague or had no reasonable prospect of success. Parts of Protected Disclosures #2 and #3 and the entirety of Detriment #4 were removed, but other aspects of the claim appear to survive for future hearing.
Practical note
In whistleblowing claims, vague or conclusory statements like 'things went too far' will not satisfy the requirements for protected disclosures and may be struck out at a preliminary stage for having no reasonable prospect of success.
Legal authorities cited
Case details
- Case number
- 3313116/2023
- Decision date
- 23 May 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- professional services
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- in house
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor