F Mohammed and others (see list attached) v Grocery Delivery E-Services UK Ltd T/a Hellofresh: 1311184/2024 and others
JUDGMENT
[1]By consent, and upon the claimants’ application to amend the claim form to include a claim for “ordinary” unfair dismissal pursuant to section 94 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, the application is granted.[2]Upon the respondent’s application to dismiss the claimants’ application for interim relief pursuant to section 128 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA) and section 161 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULR(C)A) as it was procedurally defective rendering it unable to succeed, I find the application is not wellfounded, fails and is dismissed.[3]Upon the claimants’ application for interim relief pursuant to section 128 of ERA and section 161 of TULR(C)A, I find the application is not wellfounded, fails and is dismissed. It did not appear to me that it was likely upon determining the complaints to which the application relates the Case Number: 1311184/2024 & Others tribunal will find that the claimants have been unfairly dismissed for asserting the qualifying reasons advanced by the claimants relating to trade union membership pursuant to s.152 of TULRCA.[4]Upon the respondent’s application to strike out the claim, pursuant to section 237 TULR(C)A, and considering Rule 37 of the Tribunal Rules of Procedure, I find the claims for unfair dismissal have no reasonable prospect of success and I strike them out. On the evidence before me I concluded there was a strike or concerted stoppage of work, it was unofficial, the claimants took part, and it continued until the date of dismissal on 9 October 2024.[5]Upon the respondent’s application for a wasted costs order: the application is adjourned and will be heard on 17 December 2024 commencing at 10.am, with a time estimate of 1 day, via CVP, and I have prepared a separate order confirming the arrangements for it. Employment Judge Dimbylow 13 November 2024 Notes:(1) Reasons for the judgement having been given orally at the hearing, written reasons will not be provided unless a request was made by either party at the hearing (and no such request was made) or a written request is presented by either party within 14 days of the sending of this written record of the decision.(2) All judgments and any written reasons for the judgments are published, in full, online at https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions shortly after a copy has been sent to the claimant and respondent.(3) Recording and transcription. Please note that if a Tribunal hearing has been recorded you may request a transcript of the recording, for which a charge may be payable. If a transcript is produced it will not include any oral judgment or reasons given at the hearing. The transcript will not be checked, approved or verified by a judge. There is more information in the joint Presidential Practice Direction on the Recording and Transcription of Hearings, and accompanying Guidance, which can be found here:(4) https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/employment-rules-andlegislation-practice-directions/ Multiple Schedule Multiple: 1300924 - Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh Case Number Case Name 1311184/2024 Farhea Mohammed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311185/2024 Abdinoor Hirsi -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311186/2024 Jama Mohamed Hersi -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311187/2024 Mrs Khadijo Abdulkadir -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311188/2024 Abdulqadir Jama -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311189/2024 Abubacarr Tunkara -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311190/2024 Shirwac Nasir Ahmed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311191/2024 Abdullahi Dayah Omar -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311192/2024 Amadou Sy -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311193/2024 Mrs Habon Qaalib -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311194/2024 Miss Farihiyo Ali -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311195/2024 Miss Samira Dahir -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311196/2024 Abdullah Abdullah -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311197/2024 Mr Mohamed Yarow -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311198/2024 Amara Tunkara -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311199/2024 Mrs Oumie Sagnia -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311200/2024 Mr Amadou Sowe -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311201/2024 Mr Ousmane Ndom -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311202/2024 Mr Sidomar Gafow -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311203/2024 Suheyb Dahir -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311204/2024 Mr Jacques Vertommen -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311205/2024 Mr Cheikh Diop -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311206/2024 Khadim Diakhoumaa -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311207/2024 Samba Sabaly Ba -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311208/2024 Morro Manneh -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311209/2024 Nura Hasen -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311210/2024 Nasteho Farah -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311211/2024 Mr Musbaah Ali Guled -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311212/2024 Mr Abdiqadir Hussein -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311213/2024 Mrs Mariama Sonko -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311214/2024 Mr Manirou Fall -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311215/2024 Mrs Dhuuh Mohamed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311216/2024 Mrs Fatou Chuba -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311217/2024 Mr Amadou Gueye -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311218/2024 Mr Abdiladif Karshe -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311219/2024 Mrs Ndeye Ndoye -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311220/2024 Mr Braima Assoumanou -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311221/2024 Mrs Kiin Hassan -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311222/2024 Mr Seco Conte -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311223/2024 Miss Nima Yusuf -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311224/2024 Mr Mustapha Sanneh Saidy -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311225/2024 Mr Yahie Yasin -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311226/2024 Aisha Hussein -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311227/2024 Mrs Khady Gueye -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311228/2024 Mr Amar Mohamed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311229/2024 Mr Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311230/2024 Ms Najah Abdi -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311231/2024 Yasmin Muuse -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311232/2024 Miss Salma Hure -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311233/2024 Miss Bilan Warsama -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311234/2024 Mr Mohamed Abdilahi -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311235/2024 Miss Samia Mohamed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311236/2024 Mrs Fadumo Hussein Hirsi -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311237/2024 Halimo Abdulle -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311238/2024 Miss Ifrah Hassan -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311239/2024 Mrs Faisa Awale -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311240/2024 Ms Faduma Nur -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311241/2024 Hassan Mohamed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311242/2024 Mr Amadou khadime Mbaye -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311243/2024 Mrs Fartun ali Mohamed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311244/2024 Mr Anas Husien Abdukadir -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311245/2024 Emad Samir -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311246/2024 Ahmed Omar -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311247/2024 Mr Mohamed Waraama -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311248/2024 Mr Samasa Saho Malicki -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311249/2024 Mamadou Diallo -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311250/2024 Mr Abdiaziz Mohamed -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311251/2024 Mrs Saida Sharif -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311252/2024 Yusra Isaaq -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311253/2024 Hamdi Hussen Noor -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311254/2024 Mr Asim Baig -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311255/2024 Miss Adna Abdi -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311256/2024 Adbinzak Mirood -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311257/2024 Hasan Sidmohamud Roble -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh 1311258/2024 Khadar Abdi Muse -v- Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A HellofreshREASONS
[1]The claims and their background are described in the reasons which were sent to the parties on 19 December 2024. I do not propose to recite them again here.[2]The issue that I deal with in reconsideration is based upon what I regard as a material defect in the procedure leading up to my dismissal of the claims. I have canvassed the issue with the parties in correspondence. Stated shortly, when I was preparing my written reasons as requested by both parties, I discovered that although the respondent had given notice (dated 6 November 2024) to the tribunal and the claimants that it wished to make an application to strike out the claims at the hearing, that application was not properly processed by the tribunal under the Rules. The issue therefore was what would I have done had I known about that deficiency at the time that I made my decision.[3]The law on reconsideration is set out in the Rules 70 to 73, and there is a body of case law that emerges from them.[4]I canvassed the views of the parties. I had before me and took into account written representations from the parties as follows: from the claimant dated 12 December 2024 and 7 January 2025, and from the respondent dated 12 December 2024, 6 January 2025 and 24 January 2025. Unsurprisingly, the claimants supported the idea of reconsideration and setting aside the judgement on striking out. The respondent, stated shortly, objected to the reconsideration which it considered was unnecessary in all the circumstances.[5]The claimants considered that a hearing was not necessary. The respondent asserted that there should be a hearing to determine the issue. I gave the parties a further opportunity to comment on my proposal to deal with the case on the papers. Having had further representations from the respondent I considered that the best way forward, in the interests of justice, was to deal with the case on the papers. There is some case law indicating when a hearing is required, and particularly when there is an argument on a substantial issue. However, this case can be distinguished because it involves a very narrow and discreet point. I did not need to take any evidence nor take into account honesty. Therefore, I considered that it was just, fair and proportionate to proceed to deal with it on the papers.[6]The relevant facts are these and they can be stated briefly. Counsel for both parties did not draw to my attention the technical deficiency at the hearing held on 11 and 12 November 2024. I did not spot it myself. I saw the problem when I was preparing my full written reasons. I was concerned about it and drew the attention of the parties to it and invited comments.[7]Having considered the arguments put forward by the parties, I now go on to make a decision. The question I asked myself was this, what would I have done had the deficiency been drawn to my attention during the course of the hearing? There is now no doubt in my mind that I would have adjourned the respondent’s strikeout application as the tribunal had given no notice of it taking place at the hearing. It should have done pursuant to Rule 53. The notice from the tribunal must not give less than 14 days’ notice of the respondent’s application being dealt with at the preliminary hearing. This provision is subject to reduction in respect of time (Rule 5(7)). However, Rule 53 also requires the notice to “specify the preliminary issues that are to be, or may be, decided at the hearing.” This was not done. One of the arguments of the respondent was that the provisions of s.237 of the Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 justified the striking out of the claims; and the Rules, in effect, did not apply to those provisions. I disagree and conclude that the legislation cannot be interpreted and applied in isolation. It must be read together with the Rules.[8]Accordingly, I find and conclude that I must revoke the judgement striking out the claims and I reinstate them, as it is in the interests of justice to do so.[9]I will make some case management orders, and these will be in a separate document which should accompany this judgement. Approved by Employment Judge Dimbylow On 30 January 2025 Grocery Delivery E-Services UK LTD T/A Hellofresh Case Number Claimant Name 1311184/2024 Farhea Mohammed 1311185/2024 Abdinoor Hirsi 1311186/2024 Jama Mohamed Hersi 1311187/2024 Mrs Khadijo Abdulkadir 1311188/2024 Abdulqadir Jama 1311189/2024 Abubacarr Tunkara 1311190/2024 Shirwac Nasir Ahmed 1311191/2024 Abdullahi Dayah Omar 1311192/2024 Amadou Sy 1311193/2024 Mrs Habon Qaalib 1311194/2024 Miss Farihiyo Ali 1311195/2024 Miss Samira Dahir 1311196/2024 Abdullah Abdullah 1311197/2024 Mr Mohamed Yarow 1311198/2024 Amara Tunkara 1311199/2024 Mrs Oumie Sagnia 1311200/2024 Mr Amadou Sowe 1311201/2024 Mr Ousmane Ndom 1311202/2024 Mr Sidomar Gafow 1311203/2024 Suheyb Dahir 1311204/2024 Mr Jacques Vertommen 1311205/2024 Mr Cheikh Diop 1311206/2024 Khadim Diakhoumaa 1311207/2024 Samba Sabaly Ba 1311208/2024 Morro Manneh 1311209/2024 Nura Hasen 1311210/2024 Nasteho Farah 1311211/2024 Mr Musbaah Ali Guled 1311212/2024 Mr Abdiqadir Hussein 1311213/2024 Mrs Mariama Sonko 1311214/2024 Mr Manirou Fall 1311215/2024 Mrs Dhuuh Mohamed 1311216/2024 Mrs Fatou Chuba 1311217/2024 Mr Amadou Gueye 1311218/2024 Mr Abdiladif Karshe 1311219/2024 Mrs Ndeye Ndoye 1311220/2024 Mr Braima Assoumanou 1311221/2024 Mrs Kiin Hassan 1311222/2024 Mr Seco Conte 1311223/2024 Miss Nima Yusuf 1311224/2024 Mr Mustapha Sanneh Saidy 1311225/2024 Mr Yahie Yasin 1311226/2024 Aisha Hussein 1311227/2024 Mrs Khady Gueye 1311228/2024 Mr Amar Mohamed 1311229/2024 Mr Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan 1311230/2024 Ms Najah Abdi 1311231/2024 Yasmin Muuse 1311232/2024 Miss Salma Hure 1311233/2024 Miss Bilan Warsama 1311234/2024 Mr Mohamed Abdilahi 1311235/2024 Miss Samia Mohamed 1311236/2024 Mrs Fadumo Hussein Hirsi 1311237/2024 Halimo Abdulle 1311238/2024 Miss Ifrah Hassan 1311239/2024 Mrs Faisa Awale 1311240/2024 Ms Faduma Nur 1311241/2024 Hassan Mohamed 1311242/2024 Mr Amadou khadime Mbaye 1311243/2024 Mrs Fartun ali Mohamed 1311244/2024 Mr Anas Husien Abdukadir 1311245/2024 Emad Samir 1311246/2024 Ahmed Omar 1311247/2024 Mr Mohamed Waraama 1311248/2024 Mr Samasa Saho Malicki 1311249/2024 Mamadou Diallo 1311250/2024 Mr Abdiaziz Mohamed 1311251/2024 Mrs Saida Sharif 1311252/2024 Yusra Isaaq 1311253/2024 Hamdi Hussen Noor 1311254/2024 Mr Asim Baig 1311255/2024 Miss Adna Abdi 1311256/2024 Adbinzak Mirood 1311257/2024 Hasan Sidmohamud Roble 1311258/2024 Khadar Abdi Muse