Claimant v Pittards Plc (In Administration)

Outcome

Facts

Pittards Plc, a leather manufacturing company, entered administration on 4 September 2023. Two days later, on 6 September 2023, the administrators dismissed all 139 employees at the Yeovil premises as redundant with immediate effect. Community Union was the recognised trade union for hourly paid leather workers. The respondent failed to undertake any adequate consultation with the union prior to the mass redundancies, despite the legal requirement to consult at least 90 days before dismissing 100 or more employees.

Decision

The tribunal found the complaint that the respondent failed to comply with section 188 TULRCA well-founded. The respondent was required to consult the recognised union at least 90 days before dismissing over 100 employees but failed to do so. The tribunal made a protective award of 90 days remuneration for all hourly paid leather worker employees who were dismissed on 6 September 2023, beginning from that date.

Practical note

Legal authorities cited