Claimant v University of Greenwich
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that both the First and Second Claimants' unfair dismissal claims were not well founded. The judgment provides no detailed reasoning but the claims were dismissed following a four-day full merits hearing.
The First Claimant's complaint of direct race discrimination on the basis of being paid less than other colleagues was reserved to a differently constituted Tribunal to be heard at a later date.
The First Claimant's equal pay claim on the basis of sex was reserved to a differently constituted Tribunal to be heard at a later date.
Both the First and Second Claimants brought claims of direct race discrimination (other than the pay claim reserved). The tribunal found these claims were not well founded and dismissed them following the full merits hearing.
The First Claimant brought claims of direct sex discrimination (other than the equal pay claim). The tribunal found these claims were not well founded and dismissed them.
The Second Claimant's belief in Critical Race Theory was found to be a protected philosophical belief. However, the tribunal found that the direct discrimination claims based on this protected belief were not well founded and dismissed them.
Both the First and Second Claimants brought victimisation claims. The tribunal found these claims were not well founded and dismissed them following the full merits hearing.
Facts
Two claimants, Ms Ukoumunne and Mr Webb, brought claims against the University of Greenwich including unfair dismissal, direct race discrimination, sex discrimination, and victimisation. Mr Webb's claims included discrimination on the basis of his belief in Critical Race Theory. Both claimants represented themselves while the university was represented by counsel. The case was heard over four days.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed almost all claims brought by both claimants, finding them not well founded. However, the tribunal made a declaration that Mr Webb's belief in Critical Race Theory is a protected philosophical belief. Ms Ukoumunne's equal pay claim and one aspect of her race discrimination claim relating to pay were reserved to be heard by a different tribunal at a later date.
Practical note
Belief in Critical Race Theory can constitute a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010, but establishing the belief is protected does not necessarily lead to success in discrimination claims based on that belief.
Case details
- Case number
- 2306761/2023
- Decision date
- 21 August 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 4
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- education
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No