Ms M Dudeja v Nine Food Group Limited — 2023

On 22 May 2023 at East London Hearing Centre by CVP, Employment Judge Beyzade proceeded in the respondent's absence under Rule 47. The tribunal noted that the respondent had been sent notice of the hearing, had not lodged an ET3 or sought an extension of time, and did not respond to contact attempts during the hearing. The claimant attended, was represented by counsel, and was ready to proceed.

The tribunal found that the respondent discriminated against the claimant under section 13 of the Equality Act 2010 and subjected her to harassment under section 26. The extracted judgment records the section 13 finding but does not identify the protected characteristic in the text provided. No separate compensation was awarded for the harassment finding.

The tribunal ordered compensation of £38,421.73, made up of £30,000 injury to feelings, £3,805.03 loss of earnings, £4,342.80 interest, and £273.90 interest calculated under the Employment Tribunals (Interest on Awards in Discrimination Cases) Regulations 1996. It also awarded costs of £960 including VAT under Rule 76(1)(a) because the respondent had conducted itself otherwise unreasonably. The claimant's remaining claims, including age, disability and race discrimination, unlawful deduction of wages covering wage arrears and holiday pay, and other payments, were dismissed under Rule 52 following withdrawal.