Mr Gilmour v Optec Group Limited — 2025

The claimant brought claims including disability discrimination, unfair dismissal, unpaid annual leave, unpaid wages and breach of contract. At a preliminary hearing on 2 September 2025, the unfair dismissal claim was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction and the claimant was allowed to amend to add race discrimination.

The tribunal recorded that the claimant had not complied with orders to provide details of the discrimination claims, a schedule of loss, an impact statement and medical evidence. The claimant did not attend the hearing on 13 November 2025 and had asked for a postponement the day before, referring to outstanding elements of the case and business commitments.

Employment Judge Cowen considered the request under rule 47 Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024 and dismissed the claims, referring to non-attendance, non-compliance and failure to engage with the respondent's reminders. The judgment also stated that, alternatively, the claims were struck out under rule 38 Tribunal Rules because the claimant had failed to comply with tribunal orders and had not actively pursued the claim.