Claimant v Science Recruitment Group Limited

Outcome

Facts

This is a costs judgment following dismissal of all age discrimination claims on 24 January 2025. The claimant, a 71-year-old self-represented litigant, had brought claims founded on an invented conversation with a witness. He conducted proceedings unreasonably by making multiple unsubstantiated allegations of misconduct against the respondent, its representatives, judges and tribunal officers, making baseless strike-out applications, alleging document fabrication, making racist comments, and haranguing witnesses. The respondent incurred significant legal costs defending the unmeritorious claims and dealing with the claimant's conduct. The respondent had issued costs warnings in October and November 2024.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed the claimant's application for a preparation time order, finding no unreasonable conduct by the respondent. The tribunal found the claimant had acted vexatiously, abusively, disruptively and unreasonably in bringing and conducting proceedings with no reasonable prospect of success. Despite the claimant being a litigant in person, the tribunal awarded costs of £10,000 against him, taking into account his £10,000 savings and the serious nature of his conduct which required a substantial award and deterrent effect.

Practical note

Legal authorities cited