Cases2407167/2024

Claimant v Neil Topping trading as Tyne Insulation Supplies

9 January 2025Before Employment Judge BattenNorth East

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalstruck out

The claimant had less than 2 years' service and therefore did not meet the qualifying period required under section 108 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. The claimant failed to provide an acceptable reason why the complaint should not be struck out.

Breach of Contractnot determined

This claim was not affected by the strike-out judgment and shall proceed to a full hearing on a date to be fixed.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagesnot determined

This claim was not affected by the strike-out judgment and shall proceed to a full hearing on a date to be fixed.

Facts

The claimant was employed by the respondent for less than 2 years before termination of employment. The claimant brought claims for unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and unlawful deduction of wages. The respondent is a sole trader operating an insulation supplies business.

Decision

The tribunal struck out the unfair dismissal claim because the claimant lacked the required 2 years' continuous service under section 108 ERA 1996. The claimant was given an opportunity to explain why the claim should not be struck out but failed to provide an acceptable reason. The breach of contract and wages claims were unaffected and will proceed to hearing.

Practical note

Even unrepresented claimants must meet the basic statutory qualifying criteria for unfair dismissal, and tribunals will strike out claims where the two-year service requirement is not met and no automatic unfair dismissal exception applies.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Rights Act 1996 s.108

Case details

Case number
2407167/2024
Decision date
9 January 2025
Hearing type
strike out
Hearing days
1
Classification
procedural

Respondent

Sector
construction
Represented
No

Employment details

Service
2 years

Claimant representation

Represented
No