Mr Paul Stevens v Well Known Brands Limited — 2025

Employment Judge Rao heard this matter at the London East Hearing Centre by CVP on 11-12 March 2025. The claimant Mr Paul Stevens appeared in person; the respondent (Well Known Brands Limited) was represented by Mrs A Kaur-Singh, solicitor. The respondent's postponement application made the day before the hearing was refused as no exceptional circumstances were shown.

The Tribunal found the unfair dismissal claim under s.98 ERA 1996 well-founded. Reinstatement and re-engagement were refused; the respondent was found still to be trading without employees. The Judge made a Polkey-type finding that the claimant would have been fairly dismissed within 4 weeks in any event, and that the claimant had caused or contributed to the dismissal by blameworthy conduct, reducing both the basic and compensatory awards by 50% under s.122(2) ERA 1996. Each award was £635.25.

The travel expenses breach of contract claim under the ETs Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) Order 1994 was upheld with damages of £434.00. The pay-in-lieu-of-notice breach of contract was well-founded (claimant entitled to 2 weeks but paid 1) but no additional damages awarded as the loss overlapped with the compensatory award. The holiday pay claim under regulation 30 WTR 1998, late pension contributions claim, and section 38 Employment Act 2002 claim were all dismissed. The failure to provide written itemised pay statements under s.8 ERA 1996 was upheld but no monetary remedy was specified. Total ordered: £1,704.50.