Claimant v Whiteleas and District Social Club Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the dismissal to be unfair. The respondent failed to follow a fair procedure and did not have a fair reason for dismissal. The claimant succeeded in establishing unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
The tribunal found that the claimant did not establish that the treatment was related to her sexual orientation. The evidence did not support a finding that discrimination occurred on this protected characteristic.
Facts
Ms Olsen was employed by Whiteleas and District Social Club Limited and was dismissed. She brought claims for unfair dismissal and sexual orientation discrimination. The hearing took place at Newcastle Tribunal with the claimant represented by her mother and the respondent represented by its stewardess.
Decision
The tribunal found the unfair dismissal claim succeeded, awarding £976 in compensation. However, the sexual orientation discrimination claim was dismissed as the claimant failed to establish the treatment was related to her sexual orientation.
Practical note
Small employers must still follow fair dismissal procedures even when represented in-house, and discrimination claims require evidence linking the treatment to the protected characteristic.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 6011550/2024
- Decision date
- 14 May 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- hospitality
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep