Unfair dismissal—written grievances, Acas uplift and contractual terms limiting loss ((1) SPI Spirits (2) Shefler v Zabelin)

A grievance must be in writing for the Acas Code on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures to apply but, once that has occurred, if new grievances arise they do not each have to be put in writing for the Code to be engaged, unless there is a ‘material change’ in the nature or scope of the complaint or redress sought such that fairness requires it. In addition, the uplift to compensation for an employer’s failure to follow the Acas Code also applies to awards made against individuals if the relevant individual was responsible for the failure. Finally, contractual terms limiting loss will not be upheld if they produce an outcome which would have the same effect as disapplying or limiting a statutory provision, according to the EAT.

Contact Us

Please contact us for a free, initial telephone consultation with a barrister.

020 7459 4619

    Contact Us





    Latest News

    EAT overturns strike-out order

    In McMahon v AXA ICAS [2025] EAT 8, the EAT faced a number of issues on appeal around the payment due from a deduction of wages as well as a disability discrimination claim which was struck out by the employment tribunal. The respondent also cross-appealed a decision on deduction of wages, arguing that there was… >>

    31 January 2025

    EAT looks at how to calculate the rate of pay for a day’s holiday

    In East Lancashire NHS Trust v Akram [2025] EAT 2, the EAT followed the approach set out by the Supreme Court in Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland v Agnew [2024] IRLR 56 on how to calculate a day’s pay for holiday pay purposes. It explained that: • a person should receive… >>

    17 January 2025