Claimant v Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that between 3 May 2022 and 14 July 2022, the Respondent failed to consult the Claimant regarding the removal of part of her role, and that this constituted discrimination under section 18 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal granted a just and equitable extension to allow this complaint despite time limit issues.
Facts
The Claimant brought multiple complaints of pregnancy discrimination against the FCDO. The key successful claim related to a period between 3 May 2022 and 14 July 2022 when the Respondent failed to consult the Claimant regarding the removal of part of her role. This failure to consult occurred while the Claimant was pregnant or on pregnancy-related leave.
Decision
The tribunal upheld one complaint under section 18 of the Equality Act 2010, finding that the Respondent discriminated against the Claimant by failing to consult her about the removal of part of her role. The tribunal granted a just and equitable extension to allow this complaint. All other complaints were dismissed.
Practical note
Employers must ensure meaningful consultation with pregnant employees regarding significant changes to their role, even during pregnancy-related absence, or risk liability for pregnancy discrimination under section 18 of the Equality Act 2010.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2219602/2024
- Decision date
- 17 October 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 11
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- public sector
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister