Claimant v Steven Heyworth News
Outcome
Individual claims
Claim dismissed under rule 47 as claimant did not attend the final hearing despite being listed, informed the tribunal she would not attend, and failed to comply with case management orders requiring confirmation of readiness by 20 December 2024.
Claim dismissed under rule 47 as claimant did not attend the final hearing despite being listed, informed the tribunal she would not attend due to 'weather and travel', and failed to comply with case management orders.
Facts
The claimant brought claims for unfair dismissal, protected disclosure detriment and other claims against Steven Heyworth News. A preliminary hearing on 28 June 2024 made case management orders including that the respondent identify itself and both parties confirm readiness by 20 December 2024. Neither party complied. The claimant emailed on 5 January 2025 stating she was homeless and would not attend due to weather and travel. The respondent did not respond at all.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed all claims under rule 47 of the 2013 Rules of Procedure on the basis that neither party attended the final hearing listed for 7 January 2025. The claimant had stated her intention not to attend and both parties had failed to comply with case management orders.
Practical note
Tribunals will dismiss claims under rule 47 where a claimant fails to attend a final hearing and has given advance notice of non-attendance, even where the claimant is unrepresented and facing difficult personal circumstances.
Legal authorities cited
Case details
- Case number
- 2400483/2024
- Decision date
- 7 January 2025
- Hearing type
- strike out
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- procedural
Respondent
- Sector
- media
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No