Employment law cases

Abbey National plc and another v Chagger [2009] IRLR 86 EAT

Reports relating to this case:

  • Race discrimination: Reverse burden of proof applies to claims of discrimination on grounds of colour

    Date:
    2 December 2008

    In Chagger v Abbey National plc and another EAT/0606/07, the EAT held that a claim of discrimination on grounds of skin colour inevitably involves a complaint of discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, thus engaging s.54A of the Race Relations Act 1976. In addition, allowing an appeal against an award of around £2.8 million compensation, the EAT held that the tribunal should have considered a Polkey-type question in relation to loss of earnings, and that recoverable loss should be limited to that flowing from loss of employment with the discriminator.