Cases3200994/2023

Claimant v StepStart Team Limited

6 March 2025Before Employment Judge L TownleyEast Londonin person

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Automatic Unfair Dismissalfailed

The tribunal heard evidence over three days and unanimously concluded that the claimant's claim for automatic unfair dismissal was not well-founded. The tribunal found against the claimant on the facts and law after considering submissions from both parties.

Direct Discrimination(sex)failed

After hearing the evidence and submissions, the tribunal unanimously found that the claimant failed to establish direct sex discrimination. The tribunal was not satisfied that the claimant had been treated less favourably because of her sex.

Indirect Discrimination(sex)failed

The tribunal unanimously concluded that the claimant's claim for indirect sex discrimination was not well-founded. The tribunal found that the claimant had not established that a provision, criterion or practice put her at a particular disadvantage because of her sex.

Facts

Ms Chesters brought claims against StepStart Team Limited for automatic unfair dismissal and both direct and indirect sex discrimination. The case was heard over three days before a full tribunal panel in East London. The claimant represented herself while the respondent was represented by a litigation consultant.

Decision

The tribunal unanimously dismissed all three claims brought by the claimant. After hearing evidence and submissions from both parties, the tribunal found that none of the claims were well-founded on the facts and law.

Practical note

This case demonstrates that claimants bringing automatic unfair dismissal and sex discrimination claims must establish their case on both facts and law, even when self-represented against a respondent with lay representation.

Case details

Case number
3200994/2023
Decision date
6 March 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
3
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
other
Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep

Claimant representation

Represented
No