Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd v. Stewart & Anor [2005] UKEAT 0052_05_2012 (20 December 2005)

Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd v. Stewart & Anor [2005] UKEAT 0052_05_2012 (20 December 2005)

A solicitor's letter detailing the employee's complaint, even if marked 'Without Prejudice' and adversarial in tone, constitutes compliance with s.32 Employment Act 2002 statutory grievance requirements, enabling the tribunal to consider the unfair dismissal claim.

Citation
[2005] UKEAT 0052_05_2012
Parties
Claimant: Richard Stewart; First Respondent: Barnett Motor Group Limited; Second Respondent: Arnold Clark Group
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Judgment Date
20 December 2005
Procedural Posture
Employment Appeal Tribunal / Appeal Against Preliminary Decision on Compliance With Statutory Grievance Procedures
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Constructive Dismissal, Breach of Contract, TUPE Regulations, Statutory Grievance Procedures
Employment Law Constructive Dismissal Breach of Contract TUPE Regulations Statutory Grievance Procedures

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 4 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 10
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Richard Stewart

Claimant

Barnett Motor Group Limited

First Respondent

Arnold Clark Group

Second Respondent

Procedural Posture

Employment Appeal Tribunal / Appeal Against Preliminary Decision on Compliance With Statutory Grievance Procedures

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a solicitor's letter marked 'Without Prejudice' constitutes compliance with s.32 Employment Act 2002 grievance requirements
  2. 2 Whether the statutory grievance procedure requires explicit invocation or use of the word 'grievance'

Ratio Decidendi

A solicitor's letter detailing the employee's complaint, even if marked 'Without Prejudice' and adversarial in tone, constitutes compliance with s.32 Employment Act 2002 statutory grievance requirements, enabling the tribunal to consider the unfair dismissal claim.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Case remitted to Employment Tribunal for hearing on merits of unfair constructive dismissal complaint