Claimant v Cabinet Office
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found that the Respondent breached its duty under sections 20 and 21 of the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for the Claimant's disability. The failure to implement appropriate workplace adjustments placed the Claimant at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled persons.
Facts
The Claimant, who was disabled, was employed by the Cabinet Office. The Respondent failed to implement reasonable adjustments that would have alleviated the substantial disadvantage the Claimant faced in the workplace due to his disability. The discrimination occurred around November 2022 and continued into 2023, causing the Claimant both financial loss and injury to feelings.
Decision
The tribunal upheld the Claimant's complaint of disability discrimination based on the Respondent's breach of the duty to make reasonable adjustments under sections 20 and 21 of the Equality Act 2010. The tribunal awarded compensation totaling £12,779.14, comprising injury to feelings of £6,000 (lower Vento band), financial loss of £5,941.55, and interest on both awards.
Practical note
Employers must actively implement reasonable adjustments for disabled employees once substantial disadvantage is identified, as failure to do so will result in discrimination liability and compensatory awards even in public sector cases.
Award breakdown
Vento band: lower
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 2207336/2023
- Decision date
- 6 January 2025
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 4
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Name
- Cabinet Office
- Sector
- central government
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No