Chambers strategic partner, niche law firm The Reflective Practice has successfully represented a union activist teacher at an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.
In 2015, Joanne Lucas, an experienced drama teacher, joined John Kyrle High School in Ross-on Wye. She volunteered as the school’s NEU rep to help her colleagues as she came from a trade union family.
The Headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, was angered by her union activity, especially after a national day of action in 2016 against pension cuts and became determined to dismiss her from the school.
Following a seven-day hearing conducted online and over video-links, she succeeded in her claims for:
– automatic unfair dismissal based on her union activity;
– indirect disability discrimination;
– failures to make reasonable adjustments for her disability.
You can read more on this case here on Lawyers for Teachers, The Reflective Practice’s site for education professionals. The full judgement is available here.
The tribunal was also picked up in the media by The Guardian.
This case was made possible by Cornwall Street Barristers’ remote connect suites. Our fully equipped office suites offer Covid safe working space ideal for remote hearings and conferences. You can read more information here.