Cases1303275/2024

Claimant v Boots Management Services Limited

6 May 2025Before Employment Judge Robin BroughtonBirminghamremote telephone

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Direct Discriminationdismissed on withdrawal

The claimant withdrew their claims under section 13 Equality Act 2010 (direct discrimination) at the preliminary hearing. These were dismissed on withdrawal by the tribunal.

Indirect Discriminationdismissed on withdrawal

The claimant withdrew their claims under section 19 Equality Act 2010 (indirect discrimination) at the preliminary hearing. These were dismissed on withdrawal by the tribunal.

Harassmentdismissed on withdrawal

The claimant withdrew their claims under section 26 Equality Act 2010 (harassment) at the preliminary hearing. These were dismissed on withdrawal by the tribunal.

Discrimination Arising from Disability (s.15)(disability)dismissed on withdrawal

Any claims relying on the disabilities of arthritis or an underactive thyroid were withdrawn by the claimant at the preliminary hearing and dismissed on withdrawal.

Facts

Mr Wilkins brought multiple discrimination claims against Boots Management Services Limited and three other respondents. The claims involved allegations under sections 13, 19 and 26 of the Equality Act 2010, and relied on disabilities of arthritis and an underactive thyroid. The respondent confirmed they accepted full liability for any acts or omissions of the other named respondents and were not relying on a statutory defence.

Decision

At a preliminary hearing conducted by telephone, the claimant withdrew all claims under sections 13, 19 and 26 Equality Act 2010, and any claims relying on the disabilities of arthritis or underactive thyroid. The tribunal dismissed these on withdrawal. The claims against the second, third and fourth respondents were also dismissed on withdrawal as the first respondent accepted full liability.

Practical note

Where a respondent accepts full liability for the acts of co-respondents, claims against those additional parties can be dismissed on withdrawal, streamlining proceedings to focus on a single defendant.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

EqA 2010 s.13EqA 2010 s.19EqA 2010 s.26

Case details

Case number
1303275/2024
Decision date
6 May 2025
Hearing type
preliminary
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
retail
Represented
Yes
Rep type
solicitor

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep