Mr Thomas Phillips v Pro Security and Response Limited (In Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation) — 2025

The claimant, a security guard with over nine years' service, was dismissed on 31 December 2024 after the respondent lost the contract at the premises where he worked. He brought claims for notice pay and a statutory redundancy payment; he did not pursue an unfair dismissal claim. The respondent did not attend the hearing, having entered creditors' voluntary liquidation on 28 May 2025, although a Mr Jefcoate sent an email taking issue with aspects of the process.

The Tribunal found that the dismissal was wholly or mainly attributable to the cessation of the employer's business at the relevant place, or to a diminution in the requirement for security guards there, satisfying section 139 ERA 1996. An offer of alternative employment was considered but found not to be suitable because it involved driving duties and the claimant does not drive; in any event, the employer had withdrawn the offer. The claimant was therefore entitled to a statutory redundancy payment of 13.5 weeks' pay, amounting to £9,207.

On notice pay, the Tribunal concluded that the letter of 14 November 2024 did not give notice of termination but merely informed the claimant that the contract would end on 31 December 2024, with subsequent discussions about alternative roles. The claimant was accordingly entitled to his full statutory minimum notice of nine weeks at £682 per week, amounting to £6,138. The total awarded was £15,345, recoverable from the Redundancy Payments Office.