Claimant v Dove Dental Care Limited
Outcome
Individual claims
The claim was brought out of time and the tribunal did not consider it just and equitable to extend the time limit under the discretionary provisions of the Equality Act 2010. The claim was therefore dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.
Facts
Ms Petersen brought a claim for disability discrimination against her former employer Dove Dental Care Limited. The claim was brought out of time. The tribunal held a preliminary hearing to determine whether it was just and equitable to extend the time limit. The claimant represented herself while the respondent was represented by a solicitor.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed the disability discrimination claim because it was brought out of time and the tribunal did not consider it just and equitable to extend the time limit. The claim therefore failed on jurisdictional grounds without the merits being considered.
Practical note
Unrepresented claimants bringing discrimination claims must be aware of the strict time limits, and even where the tribunal has discretion to extend time on just and equitable grounds, an extension is not automatic and requires compelling reasons.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6001654/2024
- Decision date
- 7 February 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- healthcare
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- solicitor
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No