Claimant v Dever Springs Ltd

Outcome

Facts

The claimant worked for a trout fishery from December 2017 to May 2024 as Fisheries Assistant Manager. The fishery experienced increasing losses over three years, culminating in a £121,576 loss in 2023/24. In February 2024, both the claimant and the fishery manager went on sick leave, forcing closure of the fishery to the public. The employer decided to restructure, converting to a private members club with reduced staff. The claimant was consulted about redundancy but did not suggest alternatives or express interest in the restructured role. After dismissal, a new Corporate Hospitality Fisheries Manager role was created, filled by a candidate the employer believed had better interpersonal skills for the corporate hospitality focus.

Decision

The tribunal found the dismissal was fair. The reason was genuine redundancy due to financial losses and business restructuring. The employer acted reasonably: the new role required different skills focused on corporate hospitality, the claimant was consulted but did not propose himself for alternatives, and the employer's belief that the claimant lacked the required skills was reasonable based on years of observation. The decision fell within the band of reasonable responses.

Practical note

Legal authorities cited