Claimant v Rudolph and Hellman Automotive Ltd
Outcome
Individual claims
This was a preliminary hearing to determine disability status only. The tribunal found that the claimant was a disabled person under section 6 Equality Act 2010 due to impairments of double hernia and hydrocele, which were likely to last at least 12 months as at 28 November 2022, and had lasted at least 12 months as at 1 May 2023. The substantive discrimination claims have not yet been determined.
Facts
The claimant brought disability discrimination claims against his employer Rudolph and Hellman Automotive Ltd. The respondent disputed whether the claimant was a disabled person within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010. A preliminary hearing was held to determine the disability status issue. The claimant relied on impairments of double hernia and hydrocele.
Decision
The tribunal found that the claimant was a disabled person as defined by section 6 Equality Act 2010 due to impairments of double hernia and hydrocele. The tribunal determined that as at 28 November 2022, the impairments were likely to last at least 12 months, and as at 1 May 2023, the impairments had in fact lasted for at least 12 months.
Practical note
A preliminary hearing determination of disability status allows the substantive discrimination claims to proceed with the disability issue resolved, providing clarity on a threshold jurisdictional matter before a full merits hearing.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 3311826/2024
- Decision date
- 17 June 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- manufacturing
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister