Cases2407739/2023

Claimant v GP Strategies Training Limited

11 April 2025Before Employment Judge LeachManchester

Outcome

Partly successful

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found the dismissal to be unfair. However, a 100% Polkey reduction was applied as the tribunal concluded the claimant would have been fairly dismissed in any event, 2 weeks after the actual dismissal date.

Holiday Payfailed

The claimant's complaints under the Working Time Regulations 1998 and/or Part II of the Employment Rights Act 1996 for compensation for the loss of accrued untaken holidays in previous holiday years were dismissed by the tribunal.

Direct Discrimination(age)withdrawn

The age discrimination complaint was withdrawn by the claimant and subsequently dismissed by the tribunal.

Facts

Mr D. Martin brought claims against GP Strategies Training Limited for unfair dismissal, holiday pay, and age discrimination. The tribunal heard the matter over one day with both parties represented by counsel. The judgment indicates a procedurally unfair dismissal occurred, though the claimant would have been fairly dismissed shortly afterwards.

Decision

The tribunal found the dismissal was unfair but applied a 100% Polkey reduction as the claimant would have been fairly dismissed 2 weeks later in any event. The holiday pay claim for accrued untaken holidays in previous years failed. The age discrimination claim was withdrawn and dismissed.

Practical note

Even where a dismissal is found to be unfair, a 100% Polkey reduction can result in zero compensation if the tribunal concludes a fair dismissal would have inevitably occurred shortly after the actual dismissal date.

Adjustments

Polkey reduction100%

100% chance that the claimant would have been fairly dismissed in any event, 2 weeks after the actual dismissal date

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Working Time Regulations 1998Employment Rights Act 1996 Part II

Case details

Case number
2407739/2023
Decision date
11 April 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
education
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister