Summary
Procedural, oral decision
The respondents in an employer-employee dispute action asked the hearing officers discretion to amend their counter-statement and to file late evidence not much more than two weeks in advance of the date set for the substantive hearing. The issue was heard as a preliminary matter prior to the substantive hearing. After hearing both sides submissions, the hearing officer felt that the balance of the over-riding principle of the CPR favoured allowing the respondents requests. However, he penalised the respondents by awarding £1000 in costs against them, to be paid to the referrer within 14 days of the end of the appeal period. The hearing was then adjourned for the referrer to consider his response.