Claimant v Elite Hair Lounge Limited

The tribunal found that the claimant was automatically unfairly dismissed. The dismissal occurred on 18 January 2024 shortly after the claimant asked about her job following the birth of her child, with notice of dismissal sent at 5.49pm just 19 minutes after her message at 5.30pm. The timing and context strongly suggests the dismissal was connected to her pregnancy.

The tribunal found that the respondent made reference to the claimant's age when advising her to terminate her pregnancy. On 4 December 2023, the respondent told the claimant she should get an abortion because she was too young to be pregnant. This constituted less favourable treatment because of her age.

The tribunal found four instances of pregnancy discrimination succeeded. On 4 December 2023, immediately after discovering the claimant was pregnant, the respondent told her to get an abortion because she was too young. On 22 December 2023, she was marked late despite being on a medical appointment. On 18 January 2024, she was dismissed 19 minutes after asking about her job post-birth. The respondent also logged lateness that did not occur using negative references to her pregnancy situation.