Claimant v Dr Huw Perry
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the complaints of detriment relating to pregnancy were well-founded. This was a default judgment as the respondent failed to file a defence or appear at the hearing.
The tribunal found the complaints of discrimination in relation to maternity were well-founded. This was a default judgment as the respondent failed to file a defence or appear at the hearing.
Facts
Ms Hughes brought claims of pregnancy-related detriment and maternity discrimination against Waterside Medical Practice, a GP surgery partnership of five doctors. The respondents failed to file a defence or attend the hearing. The tribunal heard the matter as a default judgment with the claimant represented by counsel. There had been an overpayment of wages to the claimant of £2,457.54.
Decision
The tribunal found both complaints well-founded as the respondents did not defend the claims. It awarded £17,575 for injury to feelings (middle Vento band), applied a 25% ACAS uplift for failure to follow grievance procedures, awarded interest, and added a statutory award for failure to provide updated terms and conditions, less the wage overpayment.
Practical note
Failing to defend a pregnancy discrimination claim will result in a default judgment, and tribunals will still apply ACAS uplifts even in default cases where procedural failures are evident.
Award breakdown
Vento band: middle
Adjustments
Failure to comply with the ACAS Code of Practice Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 2015. The tribunal awarded a 25% uplift under s.207A Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, amounting to £4,393.75.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 1600113/2025
- Decision date
- 18 September 2025
- Hearing type
- default judgment
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- default
Respondent
- Name
- Dr Huw Perry
- Sector
- healthcare
- Represented
- No
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister