Claimant v The Virtual Business Centre Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
This was a preliminary hearing to determine disability status only. The tribunal found that the claimant was disabled at the material time by reason of anxiety and depression. The substantive discrimination claims have not yet been determined.
Facts
This was a preliminary hearing held remotely by video to determine whether the claimant was disabled at the material time. The claimant was represented by a friend and the respondent by a consultant. The tribunal considered medical evidence and submissions regarding the claimant's anxiety and depression.
Decision
The tribunal found that the claimant was disabled at the material time by reason of anxiety and depression. This preliminary issue was decided in the claimant's favour. The substantive disability discrimination claims will proceed to a full merits hearing.
Practical note
A preliminary hearing on disability status found that anxiety and depression constituted a disability under the Equality Act 2010, allowing the substantive discrimination claims to proceed.
Case details
- Case number
- 1401666/2024
- Decision date
- 9 July 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- professional services
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- lay rep