Claimant v Vegan House Foods Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the respondent failed to pay the claimant's holiday entitlement. This was a default judgment under Rule 22 where the respondent, being in voluntary administration, did not participate in proceedings.
The claimant sought what was described as 'fair compensation' but the tribunal determined it had no jurisdiction to award such compensation in the circumstances of this case.
Facts
The claimant brought a claim against Vegan House Foods Ltd, a company in voluntary administration, for unpaid holiday pay and what was described as fair compensation. The respondent did not participate in the proceedings. The tribunal issued a default judgment under Rule 22 of the Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2013.
Decision
The tribunal awarded the claimant £2,352.00 for unpaid holiday entitlement but declined to award the additional 'fair compensation' sought, holding it had no jurisdiction to make such an award in the circumstances. Interest at 8% per annum would accrue if not paid within 14 days.
Practical note
Tribunals applying Rule 22 default judgments are still bound by jurisdictional limits and cannot award compensation beyond what statute permits, even where the respondent does not defend the claim.
Award breakdown
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2406677/2024
- Decision date
- 15 January 2025
- Hearing type
- default judgment
- Hearing days
- —
- Classification
- default
Respondent
- Sector
- food manufacturing
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No