Cases2600657/2024

Claimant v Bakkavor Foods Limited

28 March 2025Before Employment Judge PhillipsLeicester

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalstruck out

The tribunal found it was reasonably practicable for the claimant to have brought the claim within the statutory time limit, and therefore dismissed the claim for being out of time.

Discrimination Arising from Disability (s.15)(disability)struck out

The tribunal determined it was not just and equitable to extend the time period for bringing the disability discrimination claims, and therefore dismissed them as out of time.

Facts

Mr Gola brought claims for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination against Bakkavor Foods Limited. The claimant did not attend the preliminary hearing. The tribunal considered whether the claims had been brought within the applicable time limits.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed all claims on the grounds they were out of time. The unfair dismissal claim was dismissed because it was reasonably practicable to bring it in time. The disability discrimination claims were dismissed because it was not just and equitable to extend time.

Practical note

Claimants who fail to attend preliminary hearings on time limit issues and who bring claims out of time risk having all their claims dismissed without consideration of the merits.

Legal authorities cited

Case details

Case number
2600657/2024
Decision date
28 March 2025
Hearing type
preliminary
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
manufacturing
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No