Claimant v British Airways Plc
Outcome
Individual claims
The tribunal found the complaint of direct discrimination not well founded after hearing evidence over three days. The reasons were given orally at the hearing.
The tribunal found the complaint of discrimination arising from disability not well founded after hearing evidence. The detailed reasons were provided orally at the conclusion of the hearing.
The tribunal found the complaint regarding failure to make reasonable adjustments not well founded after hearing the evidence and considering the arguments over the three-day hearing.
The tribunal found the complaint of indirect discrimination not well founded. The tribunal gave oral reasons at the hearing explaining why this complaint was dismissed.
Facts
Mrs Bodimeade brought disability discrimination claims against British Airways. The case was heard over three days before a full tribunal panel. There was a preliminary time limit issue which the tribunal resolved in the claimant's favour, finding it just and equitable to extend time. The claimant represented herself while British Airways was represented by counsel.
Decision
The tribunal dismissed all of Mrs Bodimeade's disability discrimination claims, finding them not well founded. The claims included direct discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and indirect discrimination. The tribunal gave detailed oral reasons at the hearing.
Practical note
Even where time limits are extended on just and equitable grounds, a claimant must still prove the substantive merits of disability discrimination claims, and self-representation against a legally represented employer presents significant challenges.
Case details
- Case number
- 3312676/2020
- Decision date
- 5 April 2024
- Hearing type
- full merits
- Hearing days
- 3
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- transport
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- barrister
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No