Cases1307926/2023

Claimant v Guardian Homes (Midlands) Ltd

24 July 2024Before Employment Judge BoyleMidlands Westremote video

Outcome

Other

Facts

The tribunal issued a rule 21 default judgment in favour of the claimant on 19 March 2024 after the respondent failed to respond to the claim in time. The respondent subsequently submitted a response dated 20 March 2024, one day after the default judgment was issued. The tribunal reconsidered the rule 21 judgment on its own initiative under rules 70 and 71.

Decision

The tribunal revoked the rule 21 default judgment and accepted the respondent's response dated 20 March 2024. This allows the respondent to defend the claim on its merits. The case will now proceed as a contested matter.

Practical note

A tribunal may exercise its discretion to revoke a rule 21 default judgment on its own initiative where a response is filed shortly after judgment, allowing the respondent to defend the claim rather than being subject to a default award.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2013 rule 70Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2013 rule 71Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2013 rule 21

Case details

Case number
1307926/2023
Decision date
24 July 2024
Hearing type
reconsideration
Hearing days
1
Classification
procedural

Respondent

Sector
real estate
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister