Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that the respondent had made an unauthorised deduction from the claimant's wages. The respondent failed to present a valid response and did not defend the claim.
The claimant was dismissed in breach of contract in respect of notice. The tribunal calculated damages by deducting earnings from alternative employment during the notice period.
The respondent failed to pay the claimant's accrued but untaken holiday entitlement. This was awarded as it was not contested by the respondent.
Facts
The claimant brought claims for unauthorised deduction from wages, breach of contract in respect of notice, and unpaid holiday pay against his former employer, a law firm. The respondent failed to present a valid response to the claim on time. The tribunal proceeded to determine the case under Rule 22, deciding the matter on the papers without a hearing.
Decision
The tribunal found in favour of the claimant on all three claims. The respondent was ordered to pay £3,170.79 for unauthorised wage deductions, £573.12 for notice pay (after deducting earnings from new employment during the notice period), and £535.61 for unpaid holiday, totalling £4,279.52.
Practical note
Where a respondent fails to respond to a claim, the tribunal can make a default judgment under Rule 22, and earnings from alternative employment during the notice period will be deducted when calculating damages for wrongful dismissal.
Award breakdown
Case details
- Case number
- 2407428/2024
- Decision date
- 8 April 2025
- Hearing type
- rule 21
- Hearing days
- —
- Classification
- default
Respondent
- Name
- Langton Law Ltd
- Sector
- legal services
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No