Claimant v Metropolitan Police Service
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the Claimant was subjected to unfavourable treatment because of something arising in consequence of her disability under section 15 of the Equality Act 2010. The respondent failed to justify this treatment.
The tribunal concluded that the Claimant's claims for disability related harassment under section 26 of the Equality Act 2010 were not well founded and dismissed them.
Facts
Ms Samantha Thompson Brown, an employee of the Metropolitan Police, brought claims of disability discrimination. The case was heard over five days via video link at London Central Employment Tribunal. She alleged both unfavourable treatment because of something arising from disability and disability-related harassment.
Decision
The tribunal upheld the Claimant's section 15 claims for unfavourable treatment arising from disability, finding the respondent failed to justify the treatment. However, the harassment claims under section 26 were dismissed as not well founded. The Claimant was awarded £8,000 for injury to feelings plus interest.
Practical note
Police forces must ensure that unfavourable treatment of disabled employees arising from their disability can be objectively justified, or risk liability under section 15 of the Equality Act 2010.
Award breakdown
Vento band: lower
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2217071/2023
- Decision date
- 17 January 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 5
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- emergency services
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister