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04 September 2008 / Jeremy Nixon
Issue: 7335 / Categories: Features , Employment
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Managing the credit crunch

Part 2: Jeremy Nixon reviews the law in relation to mitigation of loss

It is well established that an individual who has been unfairly or wrongfully dismissed by their employer is under a duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate their loss. The question of loss is often a key battle ground in any litigation, particularly where the parties are discussing the possibility of a settlement. Frequently, employees have high expectations in terms of the amount they are likely to recover. On the other hand, employers often prefer to focus on the question of loss particularly where their case in relation to liability is not strong. The employer's primary aim here will be to inject what they regard as some realism into the employee's expectations.
General principles

A claimant in a wrongful or unfair dismissal case is required to give credit for any sums received following their dismissal either by way of social security payments or earnings. Further, the claimant cannot recover damages for any losses which he could reasonably have avoided. The duty

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joinscorporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Firm strengthens children department with adoption and surrogacy expert

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Graham Green

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Graham Green

Media and technology expert joins employment team as partner in Cambridge

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