The claimant was 60 years of age. He had a successful career working as a Marketing Director for the PGA European Tour, the well-known entity administering professional golf tournaments in Europe. Following the appointment of a new CEO, a view was formed that the claimant was not performing well and he was invited to a meeting to discuss the possibility of retirement, something he did not wish to do. He subsequently received a letter of dismissal stating that he was being dismissed because his role was to be merged with a wider commercial role and that his experience and skill-set were no longer suitable. No disciplinary procedure was followed.

The claimant brought proceedings alleging unfair dismissal and age discrimination.