the Applicant v St Bartholomew's House Inc
At a glance
- 1
What happened
the Applicant made an application to the Fair Work Commission alleging unfair dismissal by St Bartholomew's House Inc. She filed the application one day late. She cited financial hardship, unreliable computer access, attempts to get legal advice, and mental health impacts as reasons for the delay. The Commission questioned whether these constituted 'exceptional circumstances' to justify an extension of time.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission dismissed the Applicant’s application for an extension of time to file her unfair dismissal claim. the Commissioner found she hadn't demonstrated exceptional circumstances justifying the delay. The Commission noted her awareness of the filing deadline and her ability to seek advice and attempt lodgement. The application itself was dismissed, preventing the Commission from proceeding with the unfair dismissal claim.
What it means for employers
Employers should be aware that late applications are assessed carefully. Applicants must provide compelling reasons for delays, and technical issues alone are unlikely to be considered exceptional circumstances. Employers should ensure termination letters clearly state the reason for dismissal.
What it means for employees
Employees must file unfair dismissal or general protections applications within the strict time limits. If a delay is unavoidable, they need to provide strong evidence of exceptional circumstances. Seeking legal advice doesn't automatically justify a late filing. Employees should explore alternative lodgement methods if experiencing technical difficulties.
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