Claimant v John Lewis Plc
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that the claimant did not have a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 during the relevant period. This was a preliminary issue determination that disposed of the claim.
The claim failed because the tribunal determined that the claimant did not meet the statutory definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 during the relevant period, which is a prerequisite for this claim.
Facts
Mrs Wignarajah brought claims of disability discrimination and failure to make reasonable adjustments against John Lewis Plc. A preliminary hearing was held by video on 8 August 2025 to determine whether the claimant met the statutory definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010.
Decision
The tribunal determined that the claimant did not have a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 during the relevant period. As disability status was a jurisdictional requirement for both claims, they were dismissed.
Practical note
A claimant must establish they meet the statutory definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 as a threshold issue before disability discrimination or reasonable adjustment claims can proceed.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2306221/2023
- Decision date
- 5 August 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Name
- John Lewis Plc
- Sector
- retail
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister