Ms R M Jefford v The Hair Company — 2023

The respondent did not attend or appear to be represented. The tribunal recorded that it was satisfied the respondent was aware of the listing and, having had an opportunity to explain the absence, did not do so. The tribunal therefore proceeded in the respondent's absence under Rule 47 of the Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure.

The claimant, Ms R M Jefford, succeeded in her unfair dismissal claim. The judgment records that she was 19 at the date of dismissal, had completed two years' service, and had a gross weekly pay of £198. The basic award was calculated at half a week's pay for each of two years, producing £198.

For the compensatory award, the tribunal calculated loss from the termination date of 5 September 2022 to the claimant's new job starting on 27 March 2023. It took 29 weeks at £198 per week, less four weeks at £68 per week and less £316.80 paid by the respondent in September 2022 for attendance on her apprenticeship course. The tribunal also added £300 for loss of statutory rights, giving a compensatory award of £5,453.20.

The tribunal also upheld the claim for failure to give a statement of employment particulars and awarded £792, described as four weeks' pay at £6.60 per hour for 120 hours. The grand total awarded to the claimant was £6,443.20 payable forthwith.