Tribunal time limits

The tribunals apply the time limits for presenting unfair dismissal claims quite strictly. In one case the individual argued that his illness meant it was not reasonably practicable to submit the claim in time. The EAT held that this was no defence. At the date when he had eventually made the application he was still suffering from the same medical condition. The fact that he was able to make the application late, despite his illness, meant that he could have made it on time.

Scottish & Southern Energy v Birch EAT/325/01