Claimant v Joseph Holt Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the claim of discrimination arising out of disability under Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010 was well founded. The respondent treated the claimant unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of his disability, and this treatment was not justified as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
Facts
Mr Hammersley brought a claim of discrimination arising from disability under Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010 against his former employer, Joseph Holt Limited, a hospitality company. His employment appears to have ended on or around 3 December 2023. The claimant represented himself at a three-day remote hearing in August 2025, while the respondent was represented by a solicitor.
Decision
The tribunal found in favour of the claimant, determining that he had been subjected to discrimination arising from disability. The respondent treated him unfavourably because of something arising from his disability, and could not justify this as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. The claimant was awarded compensation for loss of earnings for a limited period plus injury to feelings damages in the lower Vento band.
Practical note
Section 15 discrimination requires the respondent to objectively justify unfavourable treatment arising from disability; failure to do so will result in liability even where the financial loss is relatively modest.
Award breakdown
Vento band: lower
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2401545/2024
- Decision date
- 19 August 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 3
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- hospitality
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No