Cases2301941/2024

Claimant v Springboard UK Charity

4 March 2025Before Employment Judge M AspinallLondon Southon papers

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalstruck out

Struck out under Rule 38 as claim was presented over 5 years out of time with no satisfactory explanation for delay. Claimant failed to comply with case management orders and did not engage with tribunal process. Fair hearing no longer possible due to excessive delay.

Direct Discrimination(age)struck out

Struck out under Rule 38 as claim was presented over 5 years out of time with no satisfactory explanation for delay. Claimant failed to provide any details of the discrimination alleged despite nearly 7 years to articulate complaints. Fair hearing no longer possible.

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Struck out under Rule 38 as claim was presented over 5 years out of time with no satisfactory explanation for delay. Claimant failed to provide any details of the discrimination alleged or which actions were discriminatory. Fair hearing no longer possible.

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

Struck out under Rule 38 as claim was presented over 5 years out of time with no satisfactory explanation for delay. Claimant failed to clarify what disability he claimed or what discriminatory actions occurred. Fair hearing no longer possible.

Facts

Claimant was employed by the respondent charity for only two months from January to March 2018. He filed claims for unfair dismissal and discrimination on grounds of age, race and disability in February 2024, nearly six years after his employment ended and over 5 years out of time. Claimant failed to comply with case management orders, did not provide documents as directed, and failed to engage with the tribunal process despite multiple attempts by the respondent to contact him.

Decision

The tribunal struck out all claims under Rule 38 on the grounds that the claims were filed over 5 years out of time with no satisfactory explanation for the delay, and the claimant's persistent failure to engage with the tribunal process meant a fair hearing was no longer possible. The judge found that allowing the claim to proceed would place an unreasonable burden on the respondent and consume scarce tribunal resources on a claim with no reasonable prospect of success.

Practical note

Employment tribunal claims filed over 5 years out of time with no credible explanation for delay will be struck out, particularly where the claimant fails to comply with case management orders and cannot articulate the substance of their complaints.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2024 Rule 38Employment Rights Act 1996

Case details

Case number
2301941/2024
Decision date
4 March 2025
Hearing type
strike out
Hearing days
Classification
procedural

Respondent

Sector
charity
Represented
Yes
Rep type
solicitor

Employment details

Service
2 months

Claimant representation

Represented
No