Cases3201314/2023

Claimant v Abbey Total Care Group Limited

27 January 2025Before Employment Judge John CrosfillEast Londonin person

Outcome

Partly successful£15,000

Individual claims

Direct Discrimination(race)succeeded

The tribunal found the Respondent directly discriminated against the Claimant because of race by failing to return his telephone call in late April or early May 2023.

Direct Discrimination(race)succeeded

The tribunal found the Respondent directly discriminated against the Claimant because of race by withdrawing an offer of employment as a Support Manager on 11 May 2023.

Direct Discrimination(race)failed

The Claimant brought further claims of direct discrimination under Section 13 which were not upheld by the tribunal and were dismissed.

Harassment(race)failed

The Claimant's harassment claim under Section 26 of the Equality Act 2010 was not upheld by the tribunal and was dismissed.

Facts

The Claimant, Mrs Balo, was offered employment as a Support Manager with the Respondent care company. In late April or early May 2023, the Respondent failed to return a telephone call from the Claimant. On 11 May 2023, the Respondent withdrew the offer of employment. The Claimant brought claims of race discrimination including direct discrimination and harassment.

Decision

The tribunal found that the Respondent directly discriminated against the Claimant because of race by failing to return the telephone call and by withdrawing the job offer. However, the tribunal dismissed the Claimant's further direct discrimination claims and the harassment claim. Compensation was agreed between the parties at £15,000.

Practical note

Employers can be liable for race discrimination at the pre-employment stage, including withdrawing job offers, even when the applicant never commenced employment.

Award breakdown

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Equality Act 2010 s.13Equality Act 2010 s.26Equality Act 2010 s.39

Case details

Case number
3201314/2023
Decision date
27 January 2025
Hearing type
full merits
Hearing days
3
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
healthcare
Represented
Yes
Rep type
lay rep

Employment details

Role
Support Manager

Claimant representation

Represented
No