The claimant in this GB tribunal case unsuccessfully claimed for breach of contract, unfair dismissal, race discrimination, and public interest disclosures. A costs order was made against him and he was ordered to pay the respondent’s costs to be assessed as a result of what was considered his unreasonable conduct during the proceedings. This included abruptly leaving the hearing room and not returning to the hearing centre at all that particular day.

A detailed assessment hearing was then listed and the claimant argued that the respondent’s legal fees were excessive despite being substantially lower than relevant published guidance rates. The crux of the claimant’s argument appeared to centre on the contention that simply because guideline rates exist, those do