Cases2400980/2024

Claimant v Iceland Foods Limited

19 January 2025Before Employment Judge G TobinManchester

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Constructive Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found that the claimant was not constructively unfairly dismissed. The respondent did not breach the implied term of trust and confidence such that the claimant was entitled to resign in response to an actual or anticipatory fundamental breach of contract.

Facts

Miss Hooley brought a claim for constructive unfair dismissal against Iceland Foods Limited. She represented herself at the three-day hearing while the respondent was represented by counsel. The case proceeded to a full merits hearing.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed the claim, finding that the claimant was not constructively unfairly dismissed. The tribunal concluded that there was no breach of the implied term of trust and confidence by the respondent that would have entitled the claimant to resign and claim constructive dismissal.

Practical note

A self-represented claimant failed to establish constructive dismissal against a major retail employer, highlighting the difficulty of proving a fundamental breach of the implied term of trust and confidence without legal representation.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

ERA 1996 s.95(1)(c)

Case details

Case number
2400980/2024
Decision date
19 January 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
3
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
retail
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No