Claimant v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the respondent failed to make reasonable adjustments as required under section 21 of the Equality Act 2010. The claim was well-founded and succeeded.
Facts
Mr Alexander Jones, a disabled employee of the Department for Work and Pensions, brought a claim for failure to make reasonable adjustments. The claimant represented himself at a two-day hearing in Cardiff, while the respondent was represented by counsel. The tribunal heard evidence and oral reasons were given at the conclusion of the hearing.
Decision
The tribunal found that the Department for Work and Pensions had failed to make reasonable adjustments as required under section 21 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal awarded £5,000 for injury to feelings (lower Vento band), £898.63 for financial losses, and £427.59 in interest, totalling £6,326.22.
Practical note
Public sector employers can be found liable for failure to make reasonable adjustments even when facing an unrepresented claimant, with awards including compensation for both injury to feelings and financial losses.
Award breakdown
Vento band: lower
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6006446/2025
- Decision date
- 29 October 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 2
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- central government
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No