Cases6002695/2023

Claimant v Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

29 April 2025Before Employment Judge SelfSouthampton

Outcome

Partly successful£1,370

Individual claims

Direct Discrimination(pregnancy)withdrawn

The claimant withdrew this claim during the hearing. The tribunal dismissed the claim upon withdrawal by the claimant.

Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments(disability)partly succeeded

The tribunal found that the respondent failed to make some reasonable adjustments for the claimant's disability. The tribunal upheld part of the claim, awarding £1,200 compensation plus interest for the respondent's failure.

Facts

Mrs Reed brought claims against Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for pregnancy discrimination and failure to make reasonable adjustments. During a two-day hearing at Southampton Employment Tribunal, the claimant withdrew her pregnancy discrimination claim. The reasonable adjustments claim proceeded and succeeded in part. The claimant appeared in person while the respondent was represented by leading counsel.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed the pregnancy discrimination claim upon withdrawal. The tribunal found that the respondent had partially failed in its duty to make reasonable adjustments for the claimant's disability. The tribunal awarded £1,200 compensation for injury to feelings in the lower Vento band, plus interest of £170.30.

Practical note

NHS trusts must ensure they fully comply with their duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, even when facing pregnancy discrimination claims that may be withdrawn, as partial breaches can still result in compensation awards.

Award breakdown

Injury to feelings£1,200
Interest£170

Vento band: lower

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Equality Act 2010 s.20

Case details

Case number
6002695/2023
Decision date
29 April 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
2
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
healthcare
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
No