Trinity barrister Sarah Ismail recently represented Citizens Advice Gateshead at a six-day hearing at the Newcastle Employment Tribunal.
The Claimant brought ten claims of direct race discrimination and harassment related to race and one claim of victimisation. She sought to argue that her probationary period was extended, that she was not put forward for internal certification and that she was subjected to unnecessary supervision because of her race.
The Respondent denied treating the Claimant less favourably because of her race. Ms Ismail argued that managers wanted the Claimant to succeed and that they supported her through persistent performance issues. She said that the Respondent treated the Claimant favourably by giving her further chances to pass her probation instead of ending her employment. The Claimant also raised several serious allegations for the very first time during the hearing and Ms Ismail argued that this destroyed her credibility.
The Tribunal agreed and found that the claims were wholly without merit. They concluded their findings as follows:
“The sad part of all of this is, had the Claimant accepted the explanation, had she followed the guidance, had she got to grips with her backlog, she probably would have enjoyed a rewarding career with Citizens Advice. All of that was within her grasp. Sadly, because of her mistrust she chose to make scandalous claims on a basis that was totally without merit. There was no basis for bringing those allegations. We know this will be difficult to hear, but we believe the Claimant needs to hear this.”
Sarah Ismail is an employment and discrimination barrister at Trinity Chambers. She was instructed by Hollie Ball of Ward Hadaway.