Jurisdiction and territory

Case 4: The facts

Stephen Lawson was employed to work on Ascension Island. He is a British citizen, was interviewed for the job in England and was paid in British pounds. Due to a difference over his working hours, he resigned and claimed unfair constructive dismissal. A question arose as to whether the tribunal could hear his claim.

The ruling

The Court of Appeal ruled that employment tribunals do not have jurisdiction in cases where the person is not employed in Great Britain. Since Lawson was on a long-term posting and Ascension Island is not part of Great Britain, he was not employed in Great Britain.

Serco v Lawson A1/2003/0649/A