Cases2201525/2024

Claimant v Peter Harrington Limited

26 June 2024Before Employment Judge C H O'RourkeLondon Centralremote video

Outcome

Claimant succeeds£68,485

Individual claims

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found that the respondent unfairly dismissed the claimant. The tribunal applied a 25% ACAS uplift to the compensatory award, indicating a failure to follow proper procedures. The tribunal calculated losses from dismissal until projected future mitigation date.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagessucceeded

The respondent conceded this claim. The tribunal found unlawful deductions from the claimant's pay in respect of parental leave due to the claimant, in the agreed sum of £1077.40.

Facts

Mrs Oddy was employed by Peter Harrington Limited until her dismissal on 21 January 2024. The respondent dismissed the claimant and also made unlawful deductions from her wages in respect of parental leave. The claimant's weekly gross pay was £643 and net pay was £1048.05. The respondent conceded the wage deduction claim for £1077.40. The case was heard over two days by video hearing.

Decision

The tribunal found the dismissal was unfair and upheld the unlawful deduction claim. A 25% ACAS uplift was applied to the compensatory award, indicating procedural failures. The tribunal awarded a total of £68,485.31 including basic award, compensatory award with grossing up, pension loss, loss of statutory rights, and the conceded wage deduction. A financial penalty of £20,000 was imposed on the respondent.

Practical note

Employers who fail to follow proper dismissal procedures face not only compensatory awards with substantial ACAS uplifts but also potential financial penalties of up to £20,000 payable to the Secretary of State under s.12A of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996.

Award breakdown

Basic award£1,286
Compensatory award£58,640
Unpaid wages£1,077
Pension loss£5,588
Loss of statutory rights£450

Adjustments

ACAS uplift+25%

The tribunal applied a 25% ACAS uplift to both the prescribed and non-prescribed elements of the compensatory award, indicating the respondent failed to follow the ACAS Code on disciplinary and grievance procedures

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Tribunals Act 1996 s.12A

Case details

Case number
2201525/2024
Decision date
26 June 2024
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
2
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
other
Represented
Yes
Rep type
solicitor

Employment details

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister