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Asda Stores Ltd v Brierley and Others: SC 26 Mar 2021

Whether employees in Asda’s retail operations are entitled to compare themselves with employees in the distribution centres so that they can rely on section 79(4)(c) of the Equality Act 2010 (‘2010 Act’) or, as regards the period covered by the Equal Pay Act 1970 (‘1970 Act’), so that they are in the ‘same employment’ as … Continue reading Asda Stores Ltd v Brierley and Others: SC 26 Mar 2021

Hurley and Moore, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills: Admn 17 Feb 2012

The applicants, intending university students, challenged the decision to raise to andpound;9,000 per annum, the fees which might be charged by qualifying universities.Elias LJ said: ‘Contrary to a submission advanced by Ms Mountfield, I do not accept that this means that it is for the court to determine whether appropriate weight has been given to … Continue reading Hurley and Moore, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills: Admn 17 Feb 2012

C, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 1 Nov 2017

This case is about how the Department for Work and Pensions (the DWP), in administering our complex welfare benefits system, treats people with a reassigned gender, and specifically whether certain policies conflict (1) with the Gender Recognition Act 2004; (2) with the Human Rights Act 1998; or (3) with the Equality Act 2010. The claimant … Continue reading C, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 1 Nov 2017

P v Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis: SC 25 Oct 2017

This appeal concerns the directly effective right of police officers under EU law to have the principle of equal treatment applied to them. The question raised is whether the enforcement of that right by means of proceedings in the Employment Tribunal is barred by the principle of judicial immunity, where the allegedly discriminatory conduct is … Continue reading P v Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis: SC 25 Oct 2017

Regina (Bui) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions; Regina (Onakoya) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: UTAA 18 Jul 2022

Claims for Universal Credit (UC) – whether Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is entitled to withhold payment of UC from an individual who does not have a National Insurance number (NINo) until such time as a NINo is allocated to that person – proper interpretation of section 1(1B) of the Social Security Administration … Continue reading Regina (Bui) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions; Regina (Onakoya) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: UTAA 18 Jul 2022

Belhaj and Another v Straw and Others: SC 17 Jan 2017

The claimant alleged complicity by the defendant, (now former) Foreign Secretary, in his mistreatment by the US while held in Libya. He also alleged involvement in his unlawful abduction and removal to Libya, from which had had fled for political persecution. The defendants now appealed from rejection of the defendants’ claim to state immunity and … Continue reading Belhaj and Another v Straw and Others: SC 17 Jan 2017

London Borough of Hounslow v Powell, Leeds City Council v Hall etc: SC 23 Feb 2011

In each case the tenant occupied the property as his home, but was not a secure tenant of the local authority. The Court was asked whether, in granting a possession order in such a case, the court was obliged to consider the proportionality of the order requested. Powell had been given emergency accomodation as a … Continue reading London Borough of Hounslow v Powell, Leeds City Council v Hall etc: SC 23 Feb 2011

Ambrose v Harris, Procurator Fiscal, Oban, etc: SC 6 Oct 2011

(Scotland) The appellant had variously been convicted in reliance on evidence gathered at different stages before arrest, but in each case without being informed of any right to see a solicitor. The court was asked, as a devolution issue, at what point the duty to allow access to a solicitor arose, and what use might … Continue reading Ambrose v Harris, Procurator Fiscal, Oban, etc: SC 6 Oct 2011

Pedro v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: CA 14 Dec 2009

The claimant, an EU national, came to the UK to join her son. He had worked but became dependent on benefits. She sought payment of the State Pension. Held: A refusal to pay the pension would dissuade workers from moving around within the EU, and was therefore contrary to EU law and the Citizens Directive. … Continue reading Pedro v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: CA 14 Dec 2009

Coll, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 24 May 2017

The appellant female prisoner asserted that the much smaller number of probation and bail hostels provided for women prisoners when released on licence was discriminatory in leaving greater numbers of women far removed from their families. Held: A declaration was granted: ‘The provision of Approved Premises in England and Wales by the Secretary of State … Continue reading Coll, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 24 May 2017

Essop and Others v Home Office (UK Border Agency): SC 5 Apr 2017

The appellants alleged indirect race and belief discrimination in the conditions of their employment by the respondent. Essop came as lead claimant challenging the tests used for promotion. Statistics showed lower pass rates for BME candidates, but with no explanation of the connection. Naaem was an imam. He began as a part time prison chaplain, … Continue reading Essop and Others v Home Office (UK Border Agency): SC 5 Apr 2017

McFarlane v Relate Avon Ltd: EAT 30 Nov 2009

EAT RELIGION OR BELIEF DISCRIMINATIONUNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reason for dismissalChristian counsellor dismissed by Relate for failing to give an unequivocal commitment to counsel same-sex couples.Held: Tribunal right to dismiss claims of discrimination (direct and indirect) contrary to the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 and of unfair dismissal – London Borough of Islington v … Continue reading McFarlane v Relate Avon Ltd: EAT 30 Nov 2009

Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014

The claimant journalist sought disclosure of papers acquired by the respondent in its conduct of enquiries into the charitable Mariam appeal. The Commission referred to an absolute exemption under section 32(2) of the 2000 Act, saying that the exemption continued until the papers were destroyed, or for 20 years under the 1958 Act. Held: The … Continue reading Kennedy v The Charity Commission: SC 26 Mar 2014

A and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (No 2): HL 8 Dec 2005

Evidence from 3rd Party Torture Inadmissible The applicants had been detained following the issue of certificates issued by the respondent that they posed a terrorist threat. They challenged the decisions of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission saying that evidence underlying the decisions had probably been obtained by torture committed by foreign powers, and should not … Continue reading A and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (No 2): HL 8 Dec 2005

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth Ltd v Mefful: EAT 22 Oct 2021

Disability Discrimination, Whistleblowing, Protected Disclosures The tribunal had been entitled on the evidence to conclude that the respondent’s interim CEO had taken the decision to dismiss the claimant on 19 March 2012 and the respondent’s challenge to the ET’s findings of fact on the dismissal decision therefore failed. However the tribunal erred by then taking … Continue reading Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth Ltd v Mefful: EAT 22 Oct 2021

Essop and Others v Home Office (UK Border Agency): EAT 16 May 2014

EAT Race Discrimination : Indirect – In a test case, it was assumed that BME candidates disproportionately failed the CSA test, passing which was necessary to progress to higher grades in the Civil Service. The Respondent argued successfully that claims of indirect discrimination could not succeed unless the individual Claimants could prove the reason they … Continue reading Essop and Others v Home Office (UK Border Agency): EAT 16 May 2014

Naeem v The Secretary of State for Justice: EAT 15 Jan 2014

EAT Race Discrimination : Indirect – RELIGION OR BELIEF DISCRIMINATION Until 2002 the only Chaplains employed by the Prison Service were Christians. Since then, Chaplains of other faiths have been recruited. The pay scale for Chaplains reflects – inter alia – length of service. The Claimant, a Muslim Chaplain, was appointed in 2004. His claim … Continue reading Naeem v The Secretary of State for Justice: EAT 15 Jan 2014

Edey v London Borough of Lambeth and Another: EAT 6 Jul 2022

PRACTICE and PROCEDURE Estoppel, Abuse of Process, Strike Out Dismissing the first ground of appeal. The ET was considering whether to strike out a claim. It took account of conclusions reached in a previous ET judgment (in a case between the Claimant and one of the Respondents) on retention of a laptop by the Claimant. … Continue reading Edey v London Borough of Lambeth and Another: EAT 6 Jul 2022

Taylor v OCS Group Ltd: CA 31 May 2006

The employer appealed against findings of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. The employee worked in IT. He was profoundly deaf, but could lip read and read sign language. He had been accused of obtaining improper access to a senior staff member’s emails. During the disciplinary hearing, he had been assisted by an interpreter for part … Continue reading Taylor v OCS Group Ltd: CA 31 May 2006

Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis v DSD and Another: SC 21 Feb 2018

Two claimants had each been sexually assaulted by a later notorious, multiple rapist. Each had made complaints to police about their assaults but said that no effective steps had been taken to investigate the serious complaints. Held: The Commissioner’s appeal failed: To provide an effective deterrent, laws which prohibit conduct constituting a breach of article … Continue reading Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis v DSD and Another: SC 21 Feb 2018

Al Skeini and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Defence and Another: Admn 14 Dec 2004

Several dependants of persons killed in Iraq by British troops claimed damages. Held: The court considered extensively the scope and applicability of Article 1 duties. In general an English court would have no jurisdiction over deaths abroad at the hands of British troops in a war situation. One death however had occurred whist the deceased … Continue reading Al Skeini and Others, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Defence and Another: Admn 14 Dec 2004

MA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 9 Nov 2016

The appellants claimed housing benefit. They appealed against rejection of their claims that the imposition of limits to the maximum sums payable, ‘the bedroom tax’, was unlawful on equality grounds. The claimants either had disabilities, or lived with dependent family with disabilities, or live in what are known as ‘sanctuary scheme’ homes (accommodation specially adapted … Continue reading MA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 9 Nov 2016

Jones v Ministry of Interior for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and others: HL 14 Jun 2006

The claimants said that they had been tortured by Saudi police when arrested on false charges. They sought damages, and appealed against an order denying jurisdiction over the defendants. They said that the allegation of torture allowed an exception to state immunity. Held: The Kingdom’s appeal succeeded. The protection of state immunity was essentially a … Continue reading Jones v Ministry of Interior for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and others: HL 14 Jun 2006

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v The Secretary of State for Health: CA 23 Aug 2018

Judges: Irwin, Hickinbottom LJJ, Sir Jack Beatson Citations: [2018] EWCA Civ 1925, [2018] WLR(D) 556 Links: Bailii, WLRD Statutes: National Health Service Act 2006 1 1C, Equality Act 2010 149(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Health Professions, Discrimination Updated: 26 April 2022; Ref: scu.621537

Serco Leisure Operating Ltd v Lau: EAT 3 Apr 2018

EAT SEX DISCRIMINATION – Pregnancy and discrimination SEX DISCRIMINATION – Burden of proof Pregnancy discrimination – section 18 Equality Act 2010 Burden of proof – section 136 Equality Act 2010 The Claimant had notified the Respondent of her pregnancy shortly before a management restructure was announced that put her position at risk of redundancy. The … Continue reading Serco Leisure Operating Ltd v Lau: EAT 3 Apr 2018

Hurst, Regina (on the Application of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v London Northern District Coroner: HL 28 Mar 2007

The claimant’s son had been stabbed to death. She challenged the refusal of the coroner to continue with the inquest with a view to examining the responsibility of any of the police in having failed to protect him. Held: The question amounted to asking whether the coroner’s decision on the resumption should have been affected … Continue reading Hurst, Regina (on the Application of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v London Northern District Coroner: HL 28 Mar 2007

Owen v Amec Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd and Others: EAT 23 Feb 2018

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Direct disability discrimination -Reasonable adjustments – Justification – direct discrimination (section 13 Equality Act 2010) – indirect discrimination (section 19) – failure to make reasonable adjustments (sections 20 and 21) – justification The Claimant who was disabled by reason of having undergone double below-knee amputations and suffering from type 2 diabetes and … Continue reading Owen v Amec Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd and Others: EAT 23 Feb 2018

Stec and Others v United Kingdom: ECHR 12 Apr 2006

(Grand Chamber) The claimants said that differences between the sexes in the payment of reduced earning allowances and retirement allowances were sex discrimination. Held: The differences were not infringing sex discrimination. The differences arose from the differences in pensionable ages for men and women introduced in 1940 in order to help remedy severe social inequalities … Continue reading Stec and Others v United Kingdom: ECHR 12 Apr 2006

Luton Borough Council v Haque: EAT 12 Apr 2018

Jurisdictional Points – Claim In Time and Effect Date of Termination – – Application/claim – Preliminary issues The statutory provisions in the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) Order 1994 and the Equality Act 2010, which operate to extend time limits to facilitate conciliation before the institution of … Continue reading Luton Borough Council v Haque: EAT 12 Apr 2018

Capita Customer Management Ltd v Ali: EAT 11 Apr 2018

Sex Discrimination – SEX DISCRIMINATION – Indirect VICTIMISATION DISCRIMINATION – Detriment A father who wished to take shared parental leave so that his wife could go back to work claimed direct sex discrimination in not being entitled to pay at the higher maternity pay rate for 12 weeks after the 2 weeks compulsory maternity leave … Continue reading Capita Customer Management Ltd v Ali: EAT 11 Apr 2018

Really Easy Car Credit Ltd v Thompson: EAT 3 Jan 2018

EAT MATERNITY RIGHTS AND PARENTAL LEAVE – Unfair dismissal SEX DISCRIMINATION – Pregnancy and discrimination SEX DISCRIMINATION – Burden of proof Automatic unfair dismissal by reason of pregnancy – section 99 Employment Rights Act 1996 and regulation 20 Maternity and Parental Leave etc Regulations 1999 Pregnancy discrimination – section 18 Equality Act 2010 Burden of … Continue reading Really Easy Car Credit Ltd v Thompson: EAT 3 Jan 2018

Jeffery v The British Council: EAT 25 Aug 2016

EAT Jurisdictional Points : Working Outside The Jurisdiction – The Claimant was a UK appointed employee of the British Council, the Respondent, working abroad; he was ‘truly expatriate’ and he was not a civil servant. He was, however, employed under a contract of employment which expressly incorporated English law, entitled him to a Civil Service … Continue reading Jeffery v The British Council: EAT 25 Aug 2016

Birmingham City Council v Lawrence (Disability Discrimination): EAT 2 Jun 2017

EAT DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Section 15 DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Reasonable adjustments UNFAIR DISMISSAL -Reasonableness of dismissal Disability discrimination – discrimination by means of unfavourable treatment because of something arising in consequence of disability – section 15 Equality Act 2010 Disability discrimination – discrimination by means of a failure to comply with a duty to make … Continue reading Birmingham City Council v Lawrence (Disability Discrimination): EAT 2 Jun 2017

Sharfudeen v T J Morris Ltd T/A Home Bargains: EAT 3 Mar 2017

EAT Unfair Dismissal: Constructive Dismissal – RACE DISCRIMINATION – Direct UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION FROM WAGES Constructive dismissal – section 95(1)(c) Employment Rights Act 1996 – whether breach of the implied term – Malik and Anor v BCCI SA [1997] ICR 606 HL Race discrimination – sections 13(1), 23 and 136(2) Equality Act 2010 – direct discrimination … Continue reading Sharfudeen v T J Morris Ltd T/A Home Bargains: EAT 3 Mar 2017

Interserve Fm Ltd v Tuleikyte: EAT 14 Mar 2017

EAT Sex Discrimination: Direct – Pregnancy and discrimination In respect of a single finding of unfavourable treatment because of absence on maternity leave under section 18(4) Equality Act 2010, the Employment Tribunal did not apply the correct legal test, wrongly treating the case as a ‘criterion’ type case rather than a ‘reasons why’ type case: … Continue reading Interserve Fm Ltd v Tuleikyte: EAT 14 Mar 2017

Hertfordshire Police v Van Colle; Smith v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 30 Jul 2008

Police Obligations to Witnesses is Limited A prosecution witness was murdered by the accused shortly before his trial. The parents of the deceased alleged that the failure of the police to protect their son was a breach of article 2. Held: The House was asked ‘If the police are alerted to a threat that D … Continue reading Hertfordshire Police v Van Colle; Smith v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 30 Jul 2008

Lubbe (Suing As Administrator Of The Estate Of Rachel Jacoba Lubbe) and 4 Others v Cape plc and Related Appeals: HL 22 Jun 2000

South African asbestosis victims suing in England submitted that to stay their proceedings in favour of the South African forum would violate their article 6 rights. A stay was refused on the non-Convention ground that, because of the lack of funding and legal representation in South Africa, they would be denied a fair trial on … Continue reading Lubbe (Suing As Administrator Of The Estate Of Rachel Jacoba Lubbe) and 4 Others v Cape plc and Related Appeals: HL 22 Jun 2000

Wittenberg v Sunset Personnel Services Ltd and Others: EAT 31 Jan 2017

EAT Jurisdictional points and territorial scope. Working outside the jurisdiction. Unfair dismissal, discrimination, Working Time Regulations, and breach of contract. The claimant was a mariner who worked off shore Nigeria. He lived in Germany. His employer was a limited company registered in Scotland and operating from Aberdeen. The Employment Tribunal (ET) did not err in … Continue reading Wittenberg v Sunset Personnel Services Ltd and Others: EAT 31 Jan 2017

City of York Council v Grosset: EAT 1 Nov 2016

EAT Disability Discrimination – Section 15 DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Justification UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reasonableness of dismissal Appeal Disability discrimination – unfavourable treatment because of something arising from the consequences of disability – justification – section 15 Equality Act 2010 (‘EqA’) The Claimant – Head of English at a secondary comprehensive school operated by the Respondent … Continue reading City of York Council v Grosset: EAT 1 Nov 2016

Birmingham City Council v Wilson: CA 17 Nov 2016

The case concerns the extent of a housing authority’s duty of inquiry, in light of the public sector equality duty set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, into whether an applicant for homelessness assistance has a disability requiring special arrangements to be made. Black, Beatson, Sales LJJ [2016] EWCA Civ 1137 Bailii … Continue reading Birmingham City Council v Wilson: CA 17 Nov 2016

Tesco Stores Ltd v Kayani: EAT 8 Sep 2016

Jurisdictional Points : Extension of Time: Reasonably Practicable JURISDICTIONAL POINTS – Extension of time: just and equitable The Claimant had lodged various claims of unfair dismissal and sex (pregnancy related) discrimination, all outwith the relevant three month time limits. During the statutory three month period the Claimant had instructed solicitors and instructed them to raise … Continue reading Tesco Stores Ltd v Kayani: EAT 8 Sep 2016

Buchanan v The Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis: EAT 30 Sep 2016

EAT Disability Discrimination: Disability Related Discrimination – Justification The Claimant, a serving police officer who had a disability by virtue of a serious motor cycle accident, was made subject to the ‘Unsatisfactory Performance Procedure’ laid down in the Police (Performance) Regulations 2012. He complained to the Employment Tribunal that a series of steps taken at … Continue reading Buchanan v The Commissioner of Police of The Metropolis: EAT 30 Sep 2016

Taiwo and Another v Olaigbe and Others: SC 22 Jun 2016

The claimants had been brought here illegally to act as servants for the defendants. They were taken advantage of and abused. They made several claims, but now appealed against rejection of their claims for discrimination. The court was asked whether discrimination because of, or on grounds of, immigration status amounts to discrimination because of, or … Continue reading Taiwo and Another v Olaigbe and Others: SC 22 Jun 2016

Donkor v The Royal Bank of Scotland (Age Discrimination) (Rev 1): EAT 16 Oct 2015

EAT Equality Act 2010 sections 5, 13(1) and (2), 23 and 39(2)(d) Direct age discrimination – different treatment of those aged over 50. Held: Allowing the appeal. (1) The ET had erred in its approach to the question of comparison; wrongly relying on the differences attributable to the ages of the Claimant and his comparators … Continue reading Donkor v The Royal Bank of Scotland (Age Discrimination) (Rev 1): EAT 16 Oct 2015

McCaughey and Another, Re Application forJudicial Review: SC 18 May 2011

The claimants sought a fuller inquest into deaths at the hands of the British Army in 1990 in Northern Ireland. On opening the inquest, the coroner had declined to undertake to hold a hearing compliant with article 2, and it had not made progress. The applicants believed this would require a further investigation of the … Continue reading McCaughey and Another, Re Application forJudicial Review: SC 18 May 2011

Nachova and Others v Bulgaria: ECHR 6 Jul 2005

Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Preliminary objection rejected (estoppel) ; Violation of Art. 2 with regard to deaths ; Violation of Art. 2 with regard to lack of effective investigation ; Not necessary to examine Art. 2 with regard to the general obligation to protect life ; No separate issue under Art. 13 ; … Continue reading Nachova and Others v Bulgaria: ECHR 6 Jul 2005

Regina v Special Adjudicator ex parte Ullah; Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 17 Jun 2004

The applicants had had their requests for asylum refused. They complained that if they were removed from the UK, their article 3 rights would be infringed. If they were returned to Pakistan or Vietnam they would be persecuted for their religious faiths. Held: A distinction was to be made between domestic cases involving actions within … Continue reading Regina v Special Adjudicator ex parte Ullah; Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 17 Jun 2004

London Borough of Wandsworth v CRW: EAT 7 Mar 2016

EAT Race Discrimination: Direct – UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Automatically unfair reasons UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reason for dismissal including substantial other reason Direct race discrimination – sections 13 and 136 Equality Act 2010; automatic unfair dismissal – section 103A Employment Rights Act 1996; unfair dismissal – section 98 Employment Rights Act 1996 The Claimant – a … Continue reading London Borough of Wandsworth v CRW: EAT 7 Mar 2016

Johns and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Derby City Council and Another: Admn 28 Feb 2011

The claimants had acted as foster carers for several years, but challenged a potential decision to discontinue that when, as committed Christians, they refused to sign to agree to treat without differentiation any child brought to them who might be homosexual. A declaration was sought as to the legality of the proposed decision. Held: A … Continue reading Johns and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Derby City Council and Another: Admn 28 Feb 2011

Monmouthshire County Council v Harris: EAT 23 Oct 2015

EAT Disability Discrimination: Section 15 – DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Compensation UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reasonableness of dismissal UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Polkey deduction Unfair Dismissal – Section 98 Employment Rights Act 1996 (‘ERA’) Disability Discrimination – discrimination arising from disability – section 15 Equality Act 2010 (‘EqA’) The Employment Tribunal (‘ET’) having found that the Claimant had … Continue reading Monmouthshire County Council v Harris: EAT 23 Oct 2015

Bolton St Catherine’s Academy v O’Brien: EAT 18 Sep 2015

EAT Unfair Dismissal : Reasonableness of Dismissal DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION – Direct disability discrimination 1. The Respondent is a publicly funded independent school with approximately 1,200 pupils aged eight to 18 and is successor to a school administered by the local authority. The academy is what might be regarded as an ‘urban’ school. Its catchment area … Continue reading Bolton St Catherine’s Academy v O’Brien: EAT 18 Sep 2015

Agbakoko v Allied Bakeries: EAT 5 Jun 2015

EAT Disability Discrimination : Disability – Direct disability discrimination – UNFAIR DISMISSAL – Reason for dismissal including substantial other reason Two points were permitted to proceed to this Full Hearing: (1) The Employment Tribunal sought to draw a distinction between ‘perceived’ and ‘suspected’ disability. That was unhelpful. However, the Employment Tribunal’s answer to the ‘reason … Continue reading Agbakoko v Allied Bakeries: EAT 5 Jun 2015

Hunt v North Somerset Council: SC 22 Jul 2015

The appellant had sought judicial review of a decision of the respondent to approve a Revenue Budget for 2012/13 as to the provision of youth services. He applied for declarations that the respondent had failed to comply with section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 and section 507B of the Education Act 1996 and for … Continue reading Hunt v North Somerset Council: SC 22 Jul 2015

Suhail v Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals and Another: EAT 11 Jun 2015

EAT Jurisdictional Points: Worker, Employee or Neither – Whether a GP, whose services were provided to the Trust through a Cooperative, was a worker under section 230(3)(b) Employment Rights Act 1996. The Employment Tribunal was entitled to find that he was not. Whether the Claimant had abandoned an argument that he was a worker under … Continue reading Suhail v Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals and Another: EAT 11 Jun 2015

Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006

In each case the local authority sought to recover possession of its own land. In the Lambeth case, they asserted this right as against an overstaying former tenant, and in the Leeds case as against gypsies. In each case the occupiers said that the recovery of possession interfered with their right respect for their family … Continue reading Kay and Another v London Borough of Lambeth and others; Leeds City Council v Price and others and others: HL 8 Mar 2006

London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm: HL 25 Jun 2008

Unrelated Detriment was no Discrimination The tenant had left his flat and sublet it so as to allow the landlord authority an apparently unanswerable claim for possession. The authority appealed a finding that they had to take into account the fact that the tenant was disabled and make reasonable adjustments. Held: The authority’s appeal succeeded. … Continue reading London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm: HL 25 Jun 2008

Williams v The Trustees of Swansea University Pension and Assurance Scheme and Another: SC 17 Dec 2018

The appellant complained of disability discrimination. He retired early suffering Tourette’s syndrome. He had worked part time, and the parties now disputed his pension entitlements. Held: The appeal failed. Lord Kerr, Lord Carnwath, Lord Hodge, Lady Black, Lord Kitchin [2018] UKSC 65 Bailii, Bailii Summary Equality Act 2010 15(1) England and Wales Citing: Cited – … Continue reading Williams v The Trustees of Swansea University Pension and Assurance Scheme and Another: SC 17 Dec 2018

S v AG (Financial Remedy: Lottery Prize): FD 14 Oct 2011

The court considered how to treat a lottery win of andpound;500,000 in the context of an ancillary relief application on a divorce. Held: The answers in such cases must be fact specific. ‘In the application of the sharing principle (as opposed to the needs principle) matrimonial property will normally be divided equally (see para 14(iii) … Continue reading S v AG (Financial Remedy: Lottery Prize): FD 14 Oct 2011

Robson and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Salford City Council: CA 20 Jan 2015

The appellants, all severely disabled appealed against the refusal of their judicial review of the substantial withdrawal by the Council of a service providing them with transport to local day care facilities. They said that the council had failed in its dutes to consider their individual cases, to consult properly, and in its public sector … Continue reading Robson and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Salford City Council: CA 20 Jan 2015

Games v University of Kent: EAT 14 Jul 2014

EAT Age Discrimination – The Employment Tribunal erred in law in its approach to the question of ‘particular disadvantage’ for the purposes of section 19(2)(b) of the Equality Act 2010 and did not give Meek compliant reasons for its conclusion on the question whether the PCP which the Respondent applied was a proportionate means of … Continue reading Games v University of Kent: EAT 14 Jul 2014

Burdett v Aviva Employment Services Ltd: EAT 14 Nov 2014

EAT Unfair Dismissal – Conduct – Section 98(2)(b) Employment Rights Act 1996 In a case where the Claimant had committed (admitted) assaults in the workplace because of his disability (he suffers from a paranoid schizophrenic illness), the ET found that the Respondent had dismissed him because of his having committed acts of gross misconduct and … Continue reading Burdett v Aviva Employment Services Ltd: EAT 14 Nov 2014

MB v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: CA 31 Jul 2014

The appellant, a male to female transsexual, had remained married to her wife despite having the right to have the marriage annulled following the 2004 Act. She now appealed against rejection of her claim to a state pension on attaining the age of 60. She had not applied for a Gender Recognition Certificate because she … Continue reading MB v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: CA 31 Jul 2014

Kanu v The London Borough of Southwark: CA 29 Jul 2014

Mr Kanu, aged 48, had physical problems, including back pain, hepatitis B, hypertension and haemorrhoids, as well as psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideation. His wife assisted him in taking the necessary drugs, but stress would raise his hypertension to ‘quite dangerous levels’, requiring an increase in the dose of the relevant drugs. An order for … Continue reading Kanu v The London Borough of Southwark: CA 29 Jul 2014

Tariq v The Home Office: EAT 16 Oct 2009

EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDUREDisclosureHUMAN RIGHTS(1) The procedure sanctioned by rule 54 of the Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure, and by the Employment Tribunals (National Security) Rules of Procedure, is not incompatible with a claimant’s right under Art. 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights to a fair hearing of his claim for discrimination, or … Continue reading Tariq v The Home Office: EAT 16 Oct 2009

Adath Yisroel Burial Society and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v HM Senior Coroner for Inner North London: Admn 27 Apr 2018

The Society challenged the refusal of the coroner to expedite of deaths for religious reasons, alleging discrimination against Jewish and Muslim families in breach of Convention or statutory rights. Held: Allowed in part. Singh LJ, Whipple J [2018] EWHC 969 (Admin), [2019] QB 251, [2018] WLR(D) 273, (2018) 162 BMLR 217, [2018] HRLR 15, [2018] … Continue reading Adath Yisroel Burial Society and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v HM Senior Coroner for Inner North London: Admn 27 Apr 2018

Islam v Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Local Health Board: EAT 12 Jun 2014

EAT Disability Discrimination : Justification – PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Bias, misconduct and procedural irregularity C was a consultant psychiatrist. A report by the National Clinical Assessment Service identified clinical and communication deficiencies and recommended that the C and his employing Trust agree a remediation programme to enable him to retrain for his consultant position. … Continue reading Islam v Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Local Health Board: EAT 12 Jun 2014

Crime Reduction Initiatives v Lawrence: EAT 17 Feb 2014

EAT Disability Discrimination : Disability Related Discrimination The Claimant was dismissed on health grounds based on depression which was a disability. The Employment Tribunal found that the dismissal was unfair because the letter inviting her to a meeting to discuss capability was, because of an HR error, expressed to be an invitation to a disciplinary … Continue reading Crime Reduction Initiatives v Lawrence: EAT 17 Feb 2014

Ladele v London Borough of Islington: CA 15 Dec 2009

The appellant was employed as a registrar. She refused to preside at same sex partnership ceremonies, saying that they conflicted with her Christian beliefs. Held: The council’s decision had clearly disadvantaged the claimant, and the question was whether its policies were a proportionate way of achieving a legitimate aim. They were. The overarching policy was … Continue reading Ladele v London Borough of Islington: CA 15 Dec 2009

Regina on the Application of B and others v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: CA 18 Oct 2004

The applicant children had been detained in immigration camps in Australia. They escaped and sought refuge in the British High Commission in Melbourne and claimed diplomatic asylum. They claimed in damages after being returned to the authorities in Australia. Held: Any threat to their safety was not sufficient to justify not returning them to the … Continue reading Regina on the Application of B and others v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: CA 18 Oct 2004

Innospec Ltd and Others v Walker: EAT 18 Feb 2014

EAT Sex Discrimination : Sexual Orientation discrimination / transexualism : The recipient of an occupational pension since 2003, under the terms of a pension scheme which provided survivor’s benefits to spouses but not to those in a civil partnership, insofar as those benefits derived from service prior to the day the Civil Partnership Act 2004 … Continue reading Innospec Ltd and Others v Walker: EAT 18 Feb 2014

National Secular Society and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Bideford Town Council: Admn 10 Feb 2012

The claimant challenged the placing of a prayer on the agenda of the respondent’s meetings. Held: The claim succeeded. The placing of such elements on the Agenda was outside the powers given to the Council, and the action was ultra vires: ‘S111 is the statutory expression of the powers implied by common law for corporations. … Continue reading National Secular Society and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Bideford Town Council: Admn 10 Feb 2012

Homer v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police: SC 25 Apr 2012

The appellant had failed in his claim for indirect age discrimination. Approaching retirement, he complained that new conditions allowing advancement to graduates only, discriminated against him since he could not complete a degree before retiring. Held: The appeal succeeded, but the case was remitted to investigate whether the discrimination could be properly justified: ‘Part of … Continue reading Homer v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police: SC 25 Apr 2012

Rolls-Royce plc v Unite the Union: CA 14 May 2009

The parties disputed whether the inclusion of length of service within a selection matrix for redundancy purposes would amount to unlawful age discrimination. The court was asked whether it was correct to make a declaratory judgment when the case had otherwise been effectively settled. Held: With considerable misgivings, the court agreed to hear the appeal. … Continue reading Rolls-Royce plc v Unite the Union: CA 14 May 2009

Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Same Sex Partner Entitled to tenancy Succession The protected tenant had died. His same-sex partner sought a statutory inheritance of the tenancy. Held: His appeal succeeded. The Fitzpatrick case referred to the position before the 1998 Act: ‘Discriminatory law undermines the rule of law because it is the antithesis of fairness. It brings the law … Continue reading Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Igen Ltd v Wong: CA 18 Feb 2005

Proving Discrimination – Two Stage Process Each appeal raised procedural issues in discrimination cases, asking where, under the new regulations, the burden of proof had shifted. Held: The new situation required a two stage process before a complaint could be upheld. First the claimant had to establish facts allowing the tribunal to conclude, in the … Continue reading Igen Ltd v Wong: CA 18 Feb 2005

Jessemey v Rowstock Ltd and Another: CA 26 Feb 2014

The court was asked whether a claim as to acts of victimisation could be sustained in connection with actions alleged after termination of employment. Held: The appeal succeeded. The Act operated to proscribe such actions. However, this is one of those exceptional cases where the court could confidently say that the draftsman had erred and … Continue reading Jessemey v Rowstock Ltd and Another: CA 26 Feb 2014

Akerman-Livingstone v Aster Communities Ltd: SC 11 Mar 2015

Appeal about the proper approach of the courts where the defendant to a claim for possession of his home raises a defence of unlawful discrimination, contrary to the Equality Act 2010, by the claimant landlord. In particular, the issue is whether the courts are entitled to take the same summary approach to such a defence, … Continue reading Akerman-Livingstone v Aster Communities Ltd: SC 11 Mar 2015

Jivraj v Hashwani: SC 27 Jul 2011

The parties had a joint venture agreement which provided that any dispute was to be referred to an arbitrator from the Ismaili community. The claimant said that this method of appointment became void as a discriminatory provision under the 2003 Regulations. The High Court found the appointment to be outwith the provisions, but this was … Continue reading Jivraj v Hashwani: SC 27 Jul 2011

Amwell View School v Dogherty: EAT 15 Sep 2006

amwell_dogherty The claimant had secretly recorded the disciplinary hearings and also the deliberations of the disciplinary panel after their retirement. The tribunal had at a case management hearing admitted the recordings as evidence, and the defendant appealed, saying also that it had been disclosed too late. Held: The evidence contained in the recordings was relevant … Continue reading Amwell View School v Dogherty: EAT 15 Sep 2006

Halawi v WDFG UK Ltd (T/A World Duty Free): CA 28 Oct 2014

The claimant said that she had been discriminated against on the grounds of her religion. She worked as a beauty consultant at the airport, but through a limited company. Her airside pass had been withdrawn. She now appealed against rejection of her claim that she was a worker by both the Employment Tribunal and by … Continue reading Halawi v WDFG UK Ltd (T/A World Duty Free): CA 28 Oct 2014

Age UK, Regina (On the Application of) v Attorney General: Admn 25 Sep 2009

Age UK challenged the implementation by the UK of the Directive insofar as it established a default retirement age (DRA) at 65. Held: The claim failed. The decision to adopt a DRA was not a disproportionate way of giving effect to the social aim of labour market confidence. The use of a designated retirement age … Continue reading Age UK, Regina (On the Application of) v Attorney General: Admn 25 Sep 2009

Carson and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 4 Nov 2008

(Grand Chamber) Pensioners who had moved abroad complained that they had been excluded from the index-linked uprating of pensions given to pensioners living in England. Held: This was not an infringement of their human rights. Differences in treatment for an identifiable characteristic, or status, can amount to discrimination within article 14 if the reason had … Continue reading Carson and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 4 Nov 2008

Z and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Hackney London Borough Council and Another: SC 16 Oct 2020

Housing Orthodox Jewish Only not Discriminatory Hackney had statutory housing functions as to allocating social housing. It also nominated applicants to properties owned by housing associations, including AIHA, which only accepted for such nominations households belonging to the Orthodox Jewish community. Hackney identified the First Appellant (Z), who is not a member of the Orthodox … Continue reading Z and Another, Regina (on The Application of) v Hackney London Borough Council and Another: SC 16 Oct 2020

Bull and Bull v Hall and Preddy: CA 10 Feb 2012

The appellants owned a guesthouse. They appealed from being found in breach of the Regulations. They had declined to honour a booking by the respondents of a room upon learning that they were a homosexual couple. The appellants had said that they were practising Christians and viewed the guest house as their home, and that … Continue reading Bull and Bull v Hall and Preddy: CA 10 Feb 2012

London Borough of Harrow v Qazi: HL 31 Jul 2003

The applicant had held a joint tenancy of the respondent. His partner gave notice and left, and the property was taken into possession. The claimant claimed restoration of his tenancy saying the order did not respect his right to a private life and home. Held: Article 8 does not, in terms, give a right to … Continue reading London Borough of Harrow v Qazi: HL 31 Jul 2003

Doherty and others v Birmingham City Council: HL 30 Jul 2008

The House was asked ‘whether a local authority can obtain a summary order for possession against an occupier of a site which it owns and has been used for many years as a gipsy and travellers’ caravan site. His licence to occupy the site has come to an end. He has no enforceable right to … Continue reading Doherty and others v Birmingham City Council: HL 30 Jul 2008

Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane: HL 24 May 2006

Fairness on Division of Family Capital The House faced the question of how to achieve fairness in the division of property following a divorce. In the one case there were substantial assets but a short marriage, and in the other a high income, but low capital. Held: The 1973 Act gives only limited guidance on … Continue reading Miller v Miller; McFarlane v McFarlane: HL 24 May 2006

Bankovic v Belgium: ECHR 12 Dec 2001

(Grand Chamber) Air strikes were carried out by NATO forces against radio and television facilities in Belgrade on 23 April 1999. The claims of five of the applicants arose out of the deaths of relatives in this raid. The sixth claimed on his own account in respect of injuries sustained during the raid. The claimants … Continue reading Bankovic v Belgium: ECHR 12 Dec 2001

Takoushis, Regina (on the Application of) v HM Coroner for Inner North London and others: CA 30 Nov 2005

Relatives sought judicial review of the coroner’s decision not to allow a jury, and against allowance of an expert witness. The deceased had been a mental patient but had been arrested with a view to being hospitalised. He was taken first to the AandE department. From there he escaped and jumped into and drowned in … Continue reading Takoushis, Regina (on the Application of) v HM Coroner for Inner North London and others: CA 30 Nov 2005

Brown, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Admn 18 Dec 2008

Having ‘due regard’ is not Obligation to do The claimant sought to challenge the decision to close her local post office on the basis that being retired and disabled and without a car in a rural area, the office was essential and the decision unsupportable. In particular she challenged the removal of post offices from … Continue reading Brown, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Admn 18 Dec 2008

Deer v University of Oxford: CA 6 Feb 2015

The claimant had previously succeeded in a claim of sex discrimination against the University, her former employer. She now appealed against rejection of her claims alleging later victimisation. Held: Two appeals succeed, and those matters remitted to the tribunal for reconsideration: ‘I do not see why not: if the appellant were able to establish that … Continue reading Deer v University of Oxford: CA 6 Feb 2015

Eisai Ltd, Regina (on the Application of) v National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Shire Pharmaceuticals Limited and Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (Interveners): CA 1 May 2008

The applicant pharmaceutical companies challenged the decision of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to to list certain drugs saying that the procedure adopted was unfair. NICE had revealed that results of calculations it had made in order to assess the appropriatenmess of the use of certain drugs, but had not disclosed the mathematical … Continue reading Eisai Ltd, Regina (on the Application of) v National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Shire Pharmaceuticals Limited and Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (Interveners): CA 1 May 2008

X v Mid Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau and Another: SC 12 Dec 2012

The appellant was disabled, had legal qualifications, and worked with the respondent as a volunteer. She had sought assistance under the Disability Discrimination Act, now the 2012 Act, saying that she counted as a worker. The tribunal and CA had found no contractual relationship. She said that under the 2000 Directive (the Framework Directive ‘FD’) … Continue reading X v Mid Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau and Another: SC 12 Dec 2012

Grant v HM Land Registry: CA 1 Jul 2011

The appellant had succeeded in his claim for sex discrimination arising from his orientation, but the EAT had reversed the decision. He now appealed against the EAT decision. Although he had revealed his sexuality in one post, he had chosen to delay this when moved to a different office, but it had nevertheless been revealed. … Continue reading Grant v HM Land Registry: CA 1 Jul 2011

Goodwin v The United Kingdom: ECHR 11 Jul 2002

The claimant was a post operative male to female trans-sexual. She claimed that her human rights were infringed when she was still treated as a man for National Insurance contributions purposes, where she continued to make payments after the age at which a woman would have ceased payments thus causing harassment. A second claimant again … Continue reading Goodwin v The United Kingdom: ECHR 11 Jul 2002

Birks, Regina (On the Application of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: Admn 25 Sep 2014

The claimant police officer sought judicial review of a decision to continue his suspension. He had been investigated and cleared after a death in custody. He sought to join the Church of England Ministry and was offered a post. He was re-assured that the matter was closed, resigned and took up the new post with … Continue reading Birks, Regina (On the Application of) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis: Admn 25 Sep 2014

Secretary of State for Defence v Smith, Regina (on the Application of): CA 18 May 2009

The soldier had died of heatstroke after exercises in Iraq. The Minister appealed against a finding that the circumstances of his death required an investigation compliant with Article 2 human rights, saying that he was not subject to such jurisdiction whilst not on a British base in Iraq. The deceased’s family argued that the jurisdiction … Continue reading Secretary of State for Defence v Smith, Regina (on the Application of): CA 18 May 2009