Claimant v The Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal heard a 5-day full merits hearing on complaints of pregnancy or maternity discrimination. After considering all evidence and submissions from both counsel, the tribunal found that the respondent had not subjected the claimant to unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy or maternity.
The tribunal considered allegations of victimisation under the Equality Act 2010. After hearing evidence over 5 days, the tribunal concluded that the respondent had not subjected the claimant to detriment because she had done a protected act.
Allegation 3.2.1 was withdrawn by the claimant during the hearing and dismissed by the tribunal on withdrawal.
Facts
Miss Coolahan, an employee of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, brought claims of pregnancy/maternity discrimination and victimisation against her employer. The case proceeded to a 5-day full merits hearing in Southampton in August 2025, with both parties represented by counsel. One allegation was withdrawn during the hearing.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed all of the claimant's complaints. The claims of pregnancy or maternity discrimination and victimisation all failed, with the tribunal finding against the claimant on the substantive issues. One allegation (3.2.1) was dismissed on withdrawal by the claimant.
Practical note
Police forces can successfully defend pregnancy/maternity discrimination claims where they can establish legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for treatment that may coincide with a protected period.
Case details
- Case number
- 6000831/2024
- Decision date
- 15 August 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 5
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- public sector
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister