Grainne Keenan v H A Emerson & Son Ltd [2017]

The issue for the tribunal was whether or not it had jurisdiction to hear the claimant’s unfair dismissal claim in light of the relevant time-limit provisions contained in the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (ERO).  The claimant resigned by letter dated 30th August 2016, noting that she had instructed her solicitor to initiate constructive dismissal proceedings. The claim form was presented to the tribunal 19 days outside the 3-month time limit on 19 December 2016, albeit that it was signed and dated by her solicitor on 30th November 2016. The claimant argued that she had expected a response from her employer and that the ‘effective date of termination (EDT)’ was 17th