Khans Solicitors v F Kaiser

Facts

The claimant, Ms F Kaiser, worked for Khans Solicitors, a firm of solicitors, from 1 April 2019 to 2 February 2021. Towards the end of her employment she had a period of sickness-related absences, having been off sick between 11 December 2020 and 2 February 2021 and having contracted COVID-19 at the end of December 2020. In a liability judgment sent to the parties on 12 April 2023, the Employment Tribunal found in her favour on complaints of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and sex related harassment. It held that a refusal to provide training and her dismissal amounted to discrimination because of something arising in consequence of disability; that the firm had failed to make reasonable adjustments by not providing a larger screen and/or screen protector and an ergonomic chair or cushion; that she had been subjected to sex related harassment when told that if she did not wear a scarf she might find it easier to attract men; and that she had been automatically unfairly dismissed for asserting a statutory right to be paid. At a remedy hearing before Employment Judge Jones sitting with members, held at East London on 6 June 2024 and in chambers on 8 July 2024, the Tribunal awarded a total of £109,020.64, including £25,000 for injury to feelings, £5,000 aggravated damages and £672.56 for the difference between statutory sick pay and full pay. The firm was permitted to appeal against the latter two awards.