Cases1300496/2024

Claimant v Severn Trent Water Limited

15 August 2025Before Employment Judge KenwardBirmingham

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Constructive Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaint of unfair constructive dismissal was not well-founded. The tribunal concluded that the respondent had not committed a fundamental breach of contract that entitled the claimant to resign, or the claimant did not resign in response to such a breach.

Direct Discrimination(race)failed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaints of direct race discrimination were not well-founded. The tribunal concluded that the respondent's treatment of the claimant was not because of her race, and the claimant failed to establish less favorable treatment on grounds of race.

Direct Discrimination(sex)failed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaints of direct sex discrimination were not well-founded. The tribunal concluded that the respondent's treatment of the claimant was not because of her sex, and the claimant failed to establish less favorable treatment on grounds of sex.

Harassment(race)failed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaints of harassment related to race were not well-founded. The tribunal concluded that the conduct complained of was not unwanted conduct related to race that had the purpose or effect of violating the claimant's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Harassment(sex)failed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaints of harassment related to sex were not well-founded. The tribunal concluded that the conduct complained of was not unwanted conduct related to sex that had the purpose or effect of violating the claimant's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Facts

Mrs Tirzite brought claims against Severn Trent Water Limited alleging constructive dismissal, direct discrimination on grounds of race and sex, and harassment related to race and sex. The case was heard over four days before a full tribunal panel with the claimant appearing in person and the respondent represented by counsel.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed all of the claimant's claims, finding them not well-founded. The tribunal concluded that there was no fundamental breach of contract to justify constructive dismissal, no less favorable treatment on grounds of race or sex, and no harassment related to the protected characteristics.

Practical note

A self-represented claimant bringing multiple discrimination and constructive dismissal claims against a major utilities company failed to establish any of her claims on the facts before the tribunal.

Case details

Case number
1300496/2024
Decision date
15 August 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
4
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
energy
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No