Claimant v Royal Mail Group Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
Tribunal found no evidence that alleged less favourable treatment by Ms Pereira, Ms Darr, Mr Rodrigues, Mr Banwo or others was related to the claimant's race. Difference in race combined with unreasonable behaviour was insufficient to shift burden of proof. No primary facts established from which race discrimination could be inferred.
Although some conduct by Ms Darr was found to have occurred and had the effect of creating a hostile environment, the tribunal concluded there was no evidence the conduct related to race. Multiple allegations against Ms Pereira and others either did not meet the threshold for harassment or were not established to relate to the protected characteristic.
Facts
Ms Maynard, a black employee of Royal Mail since 2001, brought claims of race discrimination and harassment spanning January 2021 to May 2023. She alleged a group of colleagues, primarily of Pakistani heritage centred around Anna Pereira, subjected her to bullying including derogatory comments, false allegations, and exclusion from overtime. She also complained that an internal investigation by Mr Banwo was mishandled and unfair. The allegations included incidents of name-calling by Asmah Darr, disputes with Anna Pereira over work instructions, and alleged denial of overtime opportunities.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed all claims. While some incidents of unpleasant conduct were found to have occurred, the tribunal concluded there was no evidential basis to connect this behaviour to the claimant's race. The tribunal found that unreasonable or hostile treatment, even when combined with a difference in race between the parties, was insufficient to establish discrimination. Claims relating to events before 3 May 2022 were also out of time and it was not just and equitable to extend time.
Practical note
Even where a litigant in person establishes workplace bullying and unfair treatment by colleagues and management, discrimination claims will fail without evidence linking the treatment to the protected characteristic — a difference in race between victim and perpetrator is legally insufficient on its own.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2302621/2022
- Decision date
- 23 September 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 8
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- logistics
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No