Claimant v South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the dismissal was not unfair under Part X of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Reasons were given orally at the hearing but are not recorded in this written judgment.
The tribunal found the claim under section 15 Equality Act 2010 was not well-founded. The respondent either did not treat the claimant unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of disability, or the treatment was a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
The tribunal found no breach of the duty to make reasonable adjustments under sections 20 and 21 Equality Act 2010. The respondent either made appropriate adjustments or was not required to make the adjustments the claimant sought.
Facts
Mrs Sophia Streeks brought claims against South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. The case proceeded to a five-day remote video hearing in August 2025. The claimant represented herself while the respondent NHS Trust was represented by counsel.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed all three claims. The unfair dismissal claim under the Employment Rights Act 1996 was not well-founded. The disability discrimination claims, both for discrimination arising from disability and failure to make reasonable adjustments, were also dismissed as not well-founded.
Practical note
Self-represented claimants face significant challenges in disability discrimination and unfair dismissal cases against well-represented NHS trusts, particularly when the tribunal finds against them on all claims after a substantial five-day hearing.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2306323/2023
- Decision date
- 15 August 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 5
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- healthcare
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No