NEWS & RESOURCES

Being called ‘fat’ was not discrimination arising from a disability

Employment Appeal Tribunal Case:
Evans v Xactly Corporation Ltd UKEATPA

Category:
Disability discrimination, harassment and victimisation

In this employment appeal tribunal case the employee was disabled and was dismissed for poor performance. He claimed that both the process that led to dismissal and the dismissal itself, amounted to direct discrimination in relation to the protected characteristics of disability and/or race. His claim included claims of detriment, four allegations of harassment and victimisation – much of which relied on the same examples as the direct discrimination claim. He also alleged that he suffered discrimination arising from a disability, relying on the same incidents of harassment including when he said he was called “fat” (which he said arose from his disability). The tribunal dismissed his claims, saying that he was dismissed because of his poor performance and not for any discriminatory reason. The employee appealed.

The appeal tribunal dismissed the appeal. The ET were best placed to make findings of fact about the context and office culture which it did, and which was necessary in order to understand the Claimant’s allegations of harassment and victimisation as well as direct discrimination and section 15 disability discrimination. Having done so, the tribunal was fully entitled to conclude that the comments complained of did not amount to harassment as defined in section 26 Equality Act 2010.

Read the full judgement at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5bcf210fed915d78aaef7e00/Mr_D_P_Evans_v_Xactly_Corporation_Ltd_UKEATPA_0128_18_LA.pdf

Get practical HR guidance and legal updates by signing up to our Upcoming HR Seminars and Upcoming HR Webinars.

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

RELATED RESOURCES

Explore our comprehensive library of related resources to gain valuable insights, expert tips, and helpful tools for optimising your HR practices.

Strategic HR thinking whitepaper

Our latest HR whitepaper offers an in-depth analysis and strategic framework aimed at transforming Human Resources into a pivotal element of business success in the rapidly evolving corporate environment of 2024.

PARTNER REGISTRATION

Register your details below and we will contact you regarding how HR Solutions can support your organisation.

MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

REQUEST A PROPOSAL FROM US

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Please complete the form and one of our team will call you back to discuss your query/booking.

Request your free trial

Register your details below and we will contact you about your 30 day free trial of the HR Knowledge Base.

REGISTRATION FORM

Register your details below and we will contact you about access to the HR Knowledge Base.  As part of your approved industry membership organisation you can get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by Business HR Solutions, which is the go-to resource for thousands of business owners and managers across the UK.

2023/2024 SME BUSINESS SURVEY

Our latest 2023/24 SME Business Survey sheds light on the intricate dynamics shaping the SME sector and unveils critical insights that can guide businesses toward sustainable success.

IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE HR ADVICE LINE TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

HR Solutions are here to help. We offer a standard hourly rate package for ad hoc HR advice which means you can pay for what you need, whenever you need it, and then quickly get advice. Our highly experienced advisors are on hand to provide you with practical employment advice to help you manage your workforce.  You can purchase HR Advice Line time now, and the time purchased will be valid for 12 months.