Claimant v HC-One Limited

Outcome

Facts

The claimant Ms Zoe Dancer was employed by HC-One Limited from June 2024 to January 2025. She has two medical conditions: dilated cardiomyopathy (potentially related to a genetic SEN58 variant gene) and primary hyperthyroidism. The conditions are long-term and largely managed through diet, abstinence, and exercise rather than medication, as her low blood pressure prevents use of standard cardiac medication. The claimant's role involved travel over a large area and some physical tasks. A preliminary hearing was held to determine whether she met the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010.

Decision

The tribunal found that the claimant was a disabled person within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010. Although her conditions were generally stable and managed, they had substantial adverse effects on normal day-to-day activities when exacerbated by external factors like stress. Specifically, low blood pressure affected her ability to get up in the morning, tiredness impacted shopping activities, and excess calcium from hyperthyroidism caused difficulty getting up from floor level. The tribunal rejected arguments regarding heavy lifting and long-distance travel as these were not normal day-to-day activities.

Practical note

Legal authorities cited