Claimant v Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that at the relevant times the claimant was not a disabled person as defined by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 because of anxiety disorder. As disability status was not established, the related claims of unfavourable treatment arising from disability could not succeed.
The claim was dismissed because the tribunal determined the claimant was not a disabled person under the Equality Act 2010 at the relevant times. Without establishing disability status, there was no duty to make reasonable adjustments.
The harassment claim was dismissed following the tribunal's preliminary finding that the claimant did not meet the definition of a disabled person under section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 due to anxiety disorder.
The claimant withdrew the victimisation complaint at the hearing. He confirmed withdrawal of all complaints set out in his ET1 and further particulars, and the claim was dismissed on withdrawal.
Facts
Mr Grant brought disability discrimination claims against Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, alleging unfavourable treatment, failure to make reasonable adjustments, harassment and victimisation. The claims were based on anxiety disorder. The matter proceeded to a preliminary hearing to determine whether the claimant met the statutory definition of disability. Further particulars were submitted on 13 May 2025.
Decision
The tribunal found that Mr Grant was not a disabled person under section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 at the relevant times because of anxiety disorder. Consequently, all disability-related claims were dismissed. The claimant also withdrew his victimisation complaint at the hearing, confirming withdrawal of all complaints.
Practical note
Establishing disability status under the Equality Act 2010 is a threshold requirement for all disability discrimination claims; without it, claims for unfavourable treatment, reasonable adjustments and harassment must fail.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6006346/2025
- Decision date
- 13 October 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- transport
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No