Cases2303774/2023

Claimant v Country Cousins Homecare Agencies Limited

17 March 2025Before Employment Judge SudraLondon Southremote video

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Whistleblowingfailed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaint of public interest disclosure detriment was not well founded. The claim failed on its merits after a full hearing.

Automatic Unfair Dismissalfailed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaint of public interest disclosure automatic constructive unfair dismissal was not well founded. The claim failed on its merits after a full hearing.

Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments(disability)struck out

The tribunal found the claim well founded on the merits, but dismissed it for want of jurisdiction as it was presented out of time and the tribunal decided it would not be just and equitable to extend time.

Indirect Discrimination(disability)failed

The tribunal found that the claimant's complaint of indirect disability discrimination was not well founded. The claim failed on its merits after a full hearing.

Facts

Mrs. Brinton was employed by Country Cousins Homecare Agencies Limited, a homecare provider. She brought claims relating to whistleblowing, constructive dismissal on whistleblowing grounds, and disability discrimination including failure to make reasonable adjustments and indirect discrimination. The case was heard over four days via video conference with both parties represented by counsel.

Decision

The tribunal dismissed all of the claimant's claims. The whistleblowing detriment, automatic constructive unfair dismissal, and indirect disability discrimination claims all failed on their merits. While the reasonable adjustments claim succeeded on the merits, it was dismissed for want of jurisdiction as it was out of time and the tribunal declined to exercise its discretion to extend time on just and equitable grounds.

Practical note

Even where a reasonable adjustments claim succeeds on its merits, tribunals will dismiss it for want of jurisdiction if presented out of time and the claimant cannot establish it would be just and equitable to extend time.

Case details

Case number
2303774/2023
Decision date
17 March 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
4
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
healthcare
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister