Outcome
Individual claims
The claim of direct race discrimination was brought outside the time limit prescribed by section 123 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal found it had no jurisdiction to consider the claim and dismissed it.
The claim of direct sex discrimination was brought outside the time limit prescribed by section 123 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal found it had no jurisdiction to consider the claim and dismissed it.
The claim of sexual harassment was brought outside the time limit prescribed by section 123 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal found it had no jurisdiction to consider the claim and dismissed it.
The claim of victimisation was brought outside the time limit prescribed by section 123 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal found it had no jurisdiction to consider the claim and dismissed it.
Facts
Mr Prentice brought claims of direct race discrimination, direct sex discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation against his employer Openreach Ltd. The case came before the tribunal for a preliminary hearing on the issue of jurisdiction and time limits.
Decision
Employment Judge Leith found that all four discrimination claims were brought outside the statutory time limit prescribed by section 123 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal ruled it did not have jurisdiction to consider the claims and dismissed them all.
Practical note
Discrimination claims must be brought within the strict time limits set out in the Equality Act 2010, and tribunals have no jurisdiction to hear claims presented outside those limits unless there are grounds to extend time.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 1600191/2025
- Decision date
- 15 August 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- telecoms
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep