Claimant v Bolt Court Chambers Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
Withdrawn by claimant at preliminary hearing on 11 June 2024.
Withdrawn by claimant at preliminary hearing on 11 June 2024.
Withdrawn by claimant at preliminary hearing on 11 June 2024 (notice pay claim).
The tribunal determined that the claimant was a disabled person at the relevant time (14 December 2023), satisfying the threshold requirement. The substantive claim regarding failure to allow working from home as a reasonable adjustment remains to be heard at a full merits hearing.
The tribunal found the claimant was disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 at the relevant time. The discrimination arising from disability claim (section 15 claim relating to dismissal for absence) remains to be determined at a full merits hearing.
Facts
The claimant worked as an assistant practice manager at a barristers' chambers from June 2022 to December 2023. She had a difficult relationship with the Chambers Director. She went on sick leave from 25 October 2023 with anxiety and depression and was dismissed on 14 December 2023. She claimed the respondent should have allowed her to work from home and should not have dismissed her for her absence.
Decision
The tribunal found that the claimant qualified as a disabled person at the relevant time (14 December 2023). Although her diagnosed condition had only lasted seven weeks, the tribunal was satisfied that as at the dismissal date, given her severe symptoms, ongoing fit notes, referral for CBT treatment, and absence of immediate recovery despite being away from work, the substantial adverse effect could well have continued for a further 10 months, satisfying the long-term requirement.
Practical note
A disability can be established as 'long-term' based on forward-looking likelihood even if the diagnosed condition has lasted only weeks, where medical evidence shows severity and ongoing treatment needs despite removal of the primary stressor.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2200766/2024
- Decision date
- 22 May 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- legal services
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Employment details
- Role
- Assistant practice manager
- Service
- 2 years
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No