Claimant v AHRO Scientific Publishing Ltd

R1 failed to pay C for August 2023 (£2,666.66) and for 22 days in September 2023 (£1,955.58). These sums were properly payable. No contractual or statutory basis for withholding payment was advanced. The tribunal found unauthorised deductions totalling £4,622.24 gross.

C had 12.5 days' accrued untaken annual leave at termination. R1 made no payment in lieu. Under Reg 14 Working Time Regulations 1998, this is enforceable as an unauthorised deduction from wages. Award: £1,111.13 gross.

C's contract entitled her to one month's written notice. R1 dismissed her on 22 September 2023 without any notice or payment in lieu. This was a breach of contract. C mitigated her losses by securing new employment from 31 October 2023. Damages awarded: one month's net pay (£2,062.89).

C notified R2 (acting for R1) of her pregnancy at end of August 2023. Shortly thereafter, R2's communications and eventual dismissal on 22 September occurred. C had been praised for her performance and considered for directorship before disclosure. The tribunal found C's dismissal was unfavourable treatment in the protected period because of her pregnancy under s.18 Equality Act 2010. R2 did not respond to C's assertion that pregnancy influenced the decision. The respondents did not attend or adduce evidence to show the dismissal was in no sense because of pregnancy. The burden shifted and R1/R2 failed to discharge it. R2 was found personally liable under s.110 EA as he acted as agent for R1 with authority.