In person For the v Respondent — 2025

The Claimant, a Childcare Assistant and Project Manager at a small charity, brought claims of unfair dismissal and unlawful deduction of wages following her dismissal on 26 January 2022. Earlier whistleblowing claims had been dismissed for non-compliance with Unless Orders. By consent, the Tribunal ordered the Respondent to pay £1,993.90 for unpaid wages, increased by two weeks' gross pay (£270 x 2) under s.38 Employment Act 2002 because the Respondent had failed to provide a statement of particulars of employment as required by s.1 Employment Rights Act 1996.

On the unfair dismissal claim, Employment Judge Spencer, sitting alone, found that the Respondent reasonably believed the working relationship had broken down. The Tribunal accepted that the Claimant had openly expressed distrust of senior staff and that attempts over two years to re-engage with her had not succeeded. While the disciplinary process was not perfect (the Claimant was not told dismissal was a possible outcome, and was not provided with notes of the disciplinary hearing before the appeal), the Tribunal found the process was reasonable in the context of a small charity of around 17 employees.

The Tribunal concluded that the relationship could not reasonably continue and that the dismissal was not unfair. The unfair dismissal claim was therefore dismissed.