Cases2502370/2023

Claimant v Advanced Marble & Granite UK Limited

5 March 2024Before Employment Judge SweeneyNewcastleremote video

Outcome

Partly successful£1,459

Individual claims

Redundancy Paysucceeded

The tribunal found the redundancy payment claim well-founded. The respondent had underpaid the claimant by £625, paying only £5,001.80 when the correct statutory redundancy payment was £5,626.80.

Unfair Dismissalsucceeded

The tribunal found the unfair dismissal claim well-founded and succeeded. However, the tribunal determined the claimant would have been fairly dismissed one week later in any event. The claimant refused to work during his notice period, which affected the compensatory award.

Unlawful Deduction from Wagesfailed

The tribunal found the claim for unlawful deduction of wages and notice pay was not well-founded and dismissed it. The claimant's refusal to work during the notice period appears to have been a relevant factor.

Holiday Paywithdrawn

The claimant withdrew the holiday pay claim before the tribunal heard it, and it was dismissed upon withdrawal.

Facts

The claimant was dismissed by redundancy but was underpaid his statutory redundancy payment by £625. He brought claims for redundancy pay, unfair dismissal, unlawful deduction of wages/notice pay, and holiday pay. The claimant refused to work during his notice period. The respondent had also failed to provide a written statement of employment particulars.

Decision

The tribunal found the redundancy pay claim succeeded, awarding the £625 shortfall. The unfair dismissal claim also succeeded but no compensatory award was made as the claimant would have been fairly dismissed one week later and would have received no pay due to refusing to work his notice. The tribunal awarded two weeks pay (£833.60) under section 38 Employment Act 2002 for failure to provide written particulars.

Practical note

Even where unfair dismissal succeeds, a 100% Polkey reduction can result in zero compensatory award if the tribunal finds the employee would have been fairly dismissed anyway, and refusal to work notice can eliminate any entitlement to pay during that period.

Award breakdown

Redundancy pay£625

Adjustments

Polkey reduction100%

Claimant would have been fairly dismissed in any event one week later

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

ERA 1996 s.163ERA 1996 s.122(4)ERA 1996 s.1Employment Act 2002 s.38

Case details

Case number
2502370/2023
Decision date
5 March 2024
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
construction
Represented
Yes
Rep type
solicitor

Employment details

Claimant representation

Represented
No