High Award in Self-Represented Morrison’s Sex Discrimination Claim
Many of you may have read about the self-represented Claimant who was awarded £60,000 by an Employment Tribunal having been discriminated against following her maternity leave.
Donna Patterson was a part-time buyer in the supermarket’s online business and was asked to return to a full time role once her maternity leave ended. Upon raising her concerns Ms Patterson noted managers were reluctant to let her work from home or work flexibly around childcare.
She also submitted a subject access request which suggested bosses wanted to demote her whilst on maternity leave. She subsequently resigned and was successful at her tribunal hearing, being awarded over £60,000 despite representing herself throughout the matter.
It is often assumed amongst both employers and legal professionals that litigants in person are likely to lose their claim. Whilst this may normally be true, representation or otherwise, it might be best to avoid tribunal proceedings if there is open correspondence suggesting a women on maternity leave be demoted!
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