Cases3302764/2023

Claimant v University of Hertfordshire

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Direct Discrimination(race)struck out

Claims 2.1.1 to 2.1.5 for direct race discrimination were struck out as they were out of time and the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to hear them.

Direct Discrimination(race)failed

All remaining claims of direct race discrimination (those not struck out for being out of time) were dismissed on the merits following a 9-day full hearing.

Harassment(race)struck out

Claims 3.2 to 3.6 for harassment related to race were struck out as they were out of time and the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to hear them.

Harassment(race)failed

All remaining claims of harassment related to race (those not struck out for being out of time) were dismissed on the merits following a 9-day full hearing.

Facts

Mrs Maher brought multiple claims of direct race discrimination and harassment against the University of Hertfordshire. The case proceeded to a 9-day full merits hearing before a full panel. Some of the claims (numbered 2.1.1 to 2.1.5 for direct discrimination and 3.2 to 3.6 for harassment) were found to be out of time.

Decision

The Tribunal struck out claims 2.1.1 to 2.1.5 for direct race discrimination and claims 3.2 to 3.6 for harassment as being out of time, holding it had no jurisdiction to hear them. All remaining claims of direct race discrimination and harassment were dismissed on their merits.

Practical note

Time limits remain strictly enforced in discrimination claims, and even after a lengthy 9-day hearing, all claims by a claimant represented by a friend failed both on jurisdictional and substantive grounds.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

EqA 2010

Case details

Case number
3302764/2023
Decision date
31 July 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
9
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
education
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep