Cases1400340/2024

Claimant v Beacon Education MAT Limited

8 May 2025Before Employment Judge SmailExeterin person

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Breach of Contractfailed

The tribunal heard evidence over three days and dismissed the breach of contract claim. Full written reasons were requested but this judgment records only the outcome, indicating the tribunal found against the claimant on this claim.

Wrongful Dismissalfailed

The tribunal dismissed the wrongful dismissal claim after a three-day hearing. The claim was deemed to have insufficient merit, indicated by the prior deposit order requirement and ultimate dismissal.

Direct Discrimination(race)failed

The tribunal found against the claimant on race discrimination after hearing evidence. A deposit order had been made previously, suggesting the tribunal had indicated little reasonable prospect of success, and ultimately dismissed the claim.

Facts

Mr McMillan brought claims against Beacon Education MAT Limited, a multi-academy trust, for breach of contract, wrongful dismissal and race discrimination. A deposit order of £500 had been made at a preliminary hearing, indicating the tribunal considered the claims had little reasonable prospect of success. The case proceeded to a three-day full merits hearing in Exeter before a full tribunal panel.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed all three claims after hearing evidence over three days. The £500 deposit was ordered to be paid to the respondent's solicitors. The claimant, who represented himself against counsel for the respondent, requested full written reasons which were to follow.

Practical note

Unrepresented claimants face significant challenges when opposing represented respondents, particularly where a preliminary deposit order has already indicated claims have little reasonable prospect of success.

Case details

Case number
1400340/2024
Decision date
8 May 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
3
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
education
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No