Cases1603466/2025

Claimant v Swansea University

18 November 2025Before Employment Judge S PoveySwansearemote video

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claim regarding refusal to pay publication expenses of £767.12 in 2020 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(religion)struck out

Claim regarding refusal to pay publication expenses of £767.12 in 2020 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claim regarding books on Catholic Counter-Reformation thrown out of library in August 2021 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(religion)struck out

Claim regarding books on Catholic Counter-Reformation thrown out of library in August 2021 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claim regarding denial of sabbaticals in second half of 2016 and 2018 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(religion)struck out

Claim regarding denial of sabbaticals in second half of 2016 and 2018 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claim regarding disinvitation from departmental meetings in January 2023 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(religion)struck out

Claim regarding disinvitation from departmental meetings in January 2023 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claim regarding disciplinary action leading to final written warning in February 2023 struck out on basis of being out of time (primary basis) and alternatively on basis of no reasonable prospects of success regarding comparator evidence.

Direct Discrimination(religion)struck out

Claim regarding disciplinary action leading to final written warning in February 2023 struck out on basis of being out of time (primary basis) and alternatively on basis of no reasonable prospects of success regarding comparator evidence.

Direct Discrimination(sex)struck out

Claim of sex discrimination struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of showing it was presented in time or within just and equitable period.

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claim regarding use of word 'foreign' in phrase 'Modern Foreign Languages' in July 2024 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of success.

Direct Discrimination(religion)struck out

Claim regarding use of word 'foreign' in phrase 'Modern Foreign Languages' in July 2024 struck out on basis of no reasonable prospects of success.

Facts

Academic at Swansea University brought multiple discrimination claims on grounds of nationality/ethnic origin, religion, and sex, spanning from 2016 to 2024. Claims included allegations regarding denial of sabbaticals, refusal to pay publication expenses, removal of library books, exclusion from departmental meetings, disciplinary action leading to a final written warning, and use of the word 'foreign' in Modern Foreign Languages. The claimant represented himself at a two-day remote preliminary hearing.

Decision

The tribunal struck out the vast majority of claims on the basis that they were presented out of time and there was no reasonable prospect of establishing a just and equitable extension. Claims dating from 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2023 were all struck out on time limit grounds. The claim regarding use of the word 'foreign' in July 2024 was struck out as having no reasonable prospects of success on its merits.

Practical note

Self-represented claimants must understand strict time limits for discrimination claims and cannot expect just and equitable extensions without compelling reasons, particularly when claims span multiple years with no continuing act established.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

EqA 2010

Case details

Case number
1603466/2025
Decision date
18 November 2025
Hearing type
strike out
Hearing days
2
Classification
procedural

Respondent

Sector
education
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Employment details

Role
Academic

Claimant representation

Represented
No