Mrs B Akpan v Lewisham E Foods Ltd — 2025

Employment Judge Curtis proceeded in the absence of the respondent under rule 47 of the Employment Tribunal Rules 2024, after correspondence had been sent to the respondent’s registered address and no response or participation had been received. The claimant, Mrs B Akpan, was represented in person. The tribunal gave its reasons orally at the hearing and recorded the orders in writing.

The tribunal found that Lewisham E Foods Ltd was in breach of contract when it dismissed the claimant without notice. It awarded damages of £581.54, described as the gross sum due. The tribunal also found that the respondent had made unauthorised deductions from wages by failing to pay the claimant for work undertaken in April 2024, and ordered payment of £1,812, again stated to be the total gross sum due.

The tribunal further found that the respondent had failed to provide a statement of employment particulars required by s.1 Employment Rights Act 1996. On that basis, it made an additional award of 4 weeks’ pay under s.38 Employment Act 2002, in the sum of £2,325.36. The judgment therefore resulted in three monetary awards, with a combined total of £4,718.90.