Cases6007306/2024

Claimant v FFH Admin Limited

24 March 2025Before Employment Judge BrightLeedsin person

Outcome

Partly successful£10,013

Individual claims

Breach of Contractsucceeded

The tribunal found by consent that the respondent failed to pay the claimant four weeks' notice pay to which he was entitled. The claim for breach of contract in relation to notice pay succeeded and the respondent was ordered to pay damages.

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found by consent that the claimant's dismissal was unfair. The respondent unreasonably failed to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 2015, warranting a 10% uplift to the compensatory award.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagesfailed

The tribunal determined that the respondent did not make unauthorized deductions from the claimant's wages. The complaint was dismissed as not well-founded.

Facts

Mr Lowton was dismissed by FFH Admin Ltd on 29 May 2024. He was entitled to four weeks' notice pay which was not paid. The respondent failed to follow the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures during the dismissal process. Mr Lowton brought claims for unfair dismissal, breach of contract for notice pay, and unauthorized deduction from wages.

Decision

The tribunal found by consent that the dismissal was unfair and that the respondent breached contract by failing to pay notice pay. The unfair dismissal claim succeeded with a 10% ACAS uplift applied due to the respondent's failure to follow proper procedures. The unauthorized deduction from wages claim was dismissed. Total awards amounted to £10,012.62.

Practical note

Employers who fail to follow the ACAS Code on disciplinary procedures face automatic uplifts of up to 25% on compensatory awards, and non-payment of notice pay constitutes breach of contract even where dismissal may have been justified on other grounds.

Award breakdown

Basic award£2,019
Compensatory award£5,301
Notice pay£2,692

Adjustments

ACAS uplift+10%

Respondent unreasonably failed to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 2015, resulting in a 10% uplift to the compensatory award

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 s.207AEmployment Protection (Recoupment of Benefits) Regulations 1996

Case details

Case number
6007306/2024
Decision date
24 March 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
professional services
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Employment details

Claimant representation

Represented
No