Claimant v Norwich City Football Club plc

Outcome

Facts

The claimant worked as a match-day Safety Steward at Norwich City FC for 12 years on a casual, match-by-match basis with no umbrella contract. He was dismissed on 23 October 2023 after sending photographs, though the tribunal noted it was never explained how this amounted to misconduct. The claimant's primary objective was to regain his role, which he valued for the enjoyment and companionship rather than the modest remuneration (average £96.74 net per week). He worked for Royal Mail as his main employer and took some additional shifts there after his dismissal.

Decision

This remedy hearing followed a liability judgment finding unfair dismissal. The tribunal refused reinstatement and re-engagement as the claimant was a casual worker with no ongoing employment relationship, and to create an umbrella contract would place him in a more favourable position than pre-dismissal. The tribunal awarded basic award of £1,799.24, compensatory award of £6,036.16 (capped by statute), and £464.32 under s.38 EA 2002 for failure to provide written particulars. No contributory fault reduction was applied given the respondent's failings and inadequacy of financial compensation for loss of an irreplaceable role.

Practical note

Award breakdown

Legal authorities cited