Pre-trial publicity may affect the possibility of costs being awarded against a claimant in the EAT

Iteshi v Office of Water Services (Ofwat) (Practice and Procedure : Costs) [2011] UKEAT 0178_11_2209

    Helping You     About     Links     Contact     Site Info     HOME

3/12/2011

  • In the EAT costs were awarded by HHJ JUDGE McMULLEN QC against the claimant after he had behaved unreasonably in conducting a campaign beyond the proceedings.
  • Costs awards in the EAT jurisdiction are exceptional

The case of Iteshi v OFWAT saw the claimant making unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and conspiracy against judges. This campaign to 'expose' the employment tribunal sysem and EAT was seen as a misconceived and unreasonably conducted claim, an abuse of process. Costs were awarded despite the respondent not having issued a costs warning in advance. The respondent's skeleton argument was taken as sufficient warning in light of the fact that the claimant had a legal background.

From paragraph 47 the definition of a vexatious claim is defined from the case of ET Marler Ltd v Robertson [1974] ICR 72 NICR, being 'one that is not pursued with the expectation of success but to harass the other side or out of some improper motives.'

Transcript of the judgement:-   Iteshi v Office of Water Services (Ofwat) [2011] UKEAT 0178_11_2209
WorkRep.co.uk
Protecting Workers


Some recent employment cases:-
2011
Having a corporate financial interest in the outcome or being a governor of a body equates with apparent bias in ones own case - Kaur, R (on the application of) v Institute of Legal Executives Appeal Tribunal & Anor [2011] EWCA Civ 1168
The CJEU Advocate General advises that Part-time Judges are workers and that discrimination against different types of judges is not allowed. - O'Brien v Ministry of Justice [2010] UKSC 34
Costs are compensatory not punitive and reflect the "effect" of the conduct in question" - Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council v Yerrakalva [2011] EWCA Civ 1255
Unheard and contested matters dismissed at a pre-hearing should not be the subject of a costs award - Dean & Dean (a firm) & Ors v Dionissiou -Moussaoui (Rev 1) [2011] EWCA Civ 1332
Ogden Tables may be acceptable to determine pension loss where cogent reasons are given - Chief Constable Of West Midlands Police v Gardner [2011] UKEAT 0174_11_1910
A holiday must be taken within a reasonable time period or the holiday will cease to be considered as providing a rest from work, but rather "a period of relaxation and leisure" - KHS AG v Schulte ECJ Case C-214/10
The emasculation of the employment tribunal system is the next stage on the road to a fundamental undermining of workers' rights and protections in Britain
The level of compensatory award for unfair dismissal must be 'grossed up' before the application of the statutory cap. - Hardie Grant London Ltd v Aspden [2011] UKEAT 0242_11_0311
Even where lists of issues have been agreed between the parties they should be scrutinised by employment judges. - Price v Surrey County Council & Anor [2011] UKEAT 0450_10_2710
Female workers suffered indirect sex discrimination in a pension scheme but no loss (and therefore will not receive compensation) - Copple & Ors v Littlewoods Plc & Ors [2011] EWCA Civ 1281
In order to claim holiday pay under Reg 16 (1) of the Working Time Regulations an employee must have already have stated an intention to take it. - Fraser v Southwest London St George’s Mental Health Trust [2011] UKEAT 0456_10_0311
Even where lists of issues have been agreed between the parties they should be scrutinised by employment judges. - Price v Surrey County Council & Anor [2011] UKEAT 0450_10_2710
Claimants with Before the Event Insurance may choose their own solicitor - Brown-Quinn & Anor v Equity Syndicate Managment LTD & Anor [2011] EWHC 2661
The High Court issues guidance as to when contractual provisions are valid - Hussain v Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust [2011] EWHC 1670 (QB)
Disciplinary processes must be conducted fairly and without undue delay - Lim v Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust [2011] EWHC 2178 (QB)
An employer's reasonable (but wrong) belief that a worker is working illegally is no defence to an illegal deduction from wages claim - Okuoimose v City Facilities Management (UK) Ltd [2011] UKEAT 0192_11_1309
Whistleblowers are not protected against victimisation by fellow workers - NHS Manchester v Fecitt & Ors [2011] EWCA Civ 1190
An employee sharing profits in the firm is not necessarily a partner - Williamson & Soden Solicitors v Briars EAT [2011] UKEAT/2011/0065_10_2705
Leaving a page out of the reasons for an EAT appeal was venial - Hine & Anor (t/a Hine Marketing Partnership) v Talbot & Ors [2011] UKEAT 1783_10_2706
In Equal Pay claims after a TUPE transfer, red circling will be accepted as constituting a genuine material factor defence - Scotland Co Ltd v Buchanan & Anor (Equal Pay Act : Material factor defence and justification) [2011] UKEAT 0042_10_2505
If you have a problem at work over harassment, disability, sex, age, race discrimination or bullying or are seeking compensation or reinstatement for unfair or constructive dismissal then contact workrep for an evaluation of your case. We can also advise you on equal pay, TUPE or employment status. Often an employee will come to us over a breach of contract by their employer or for issues concerning whistleblowing. If your employer has made you redundant you might in fact have been unfairly dismissed or wrongfully dismissed. If you have any other employment issues don't hesitate to contact WorkRep.
You do not need to accept being discriminated against harassed or victimised at work. If you are suffering from bullying victimisation or discrimination at work you need to contact WorkRep early on. Whatever your employment problem is, even if you have failed in your tribunal case and there is now a costs application against you we will try to help. click for further information about problems at work

Disclaimer: articles and information published by WorkRep.co.uk are for general information purposes only.  Please read the site info before using this website