Cases2410857/2023

Claimant v Playmaker Studio Ltd

Outcome

Default judgment£9,538

Individual claims

Redundancy Paysucceeded

The respondent failed to present a valid response on time. Under Rule 21, the tribunal entered default judgment in favour of all three claimants for their redundancy payment claims, as the claimants had been dismissed by reason of redundancy and were entitled to statutory redundancy payments based on their respective lengths of service and weekly pay.

Facts

Three employees of Playmaker Studio Ltd were dismissed by reason of redundancy. Mrs B Bond had 5 years' service with weekly pay of £616.67. Mr O Porter had 5 years' service with weekly pay of £519.23. Mr L Arnold had 6 years' service with weekly pay exceeding the statutory cap. All three brought claims for statutory redundancy payments. The respondent failed to present a response within the prescribed time limit.

Decision

The tribunal entered default judgment under Rule 21 in favour of all three claimants as the respondent had failed to present a valid response. Mrs Bond was awarded £3,083.35, Mr Porter £2,596.15, and Mr Arnold £3,858.00 as statutory redundancy payments. The scheduled hearing was cancelled as unnecessary given the default judgment.

Practical note

Employers who fail to respond to tribunal claims face automatic default judgments, which can be enforced immediately and accrue interest at 8% per annum if not paid within 14 days.

Award breakdown

Redundancy pay£9,538

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 2013 Rule 21Employment Tribunals (Interest) Order 1990 Article 12Judgments Act 1838 s.17

Case details

Case number
2410857/2023
Decision date
14 March 2024
Hearing type
rule 21
Hearing days
Classification
default

Respondent

Sector
media
Represented
No

Claimant representation

Represented
No