Ms R Persad v Nature Alpha Group Limited RECORD OF A HEARING — 2025

This was a public preliminary hearing before Employment Judge Joffe sitting alone at London Central, listed to determine the claimant's employment status under section 83(2) of the Equality Act 2010 and section 230(1) of the Employment Rights Act 1996, and whether four named individuals were valid comparators under section 79 EQA for the purposes of the equal pay complaints. The claimant represented herself; the respondent was represented by counsel.

The tribunal concluded that the claimant was an employee of the respondent within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 at material times, but was not an employee within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996. It further concluded that Mr Srivastava, Mr Kato and Mr Azzari were not employees of the respondent under the Equality Act 2010 and therefore were not valid comparators under section 79 EQA. The claimant did not pursue Mr Emokpae as a comparator.

The tribunal also considered the claimant's application to strike out the response. The judge found Dr Sharif's approach to disclosure had been negligent and unreasonable but not deliberate, and concluded there was no evidence the disputed document was a forgery. The strike out application was refused. The judge indicated that the likely effect of the findings is that the Tribunal lacks jurisdiction over the breach of contract claim and that the equal pay claim must also fail, but invited written submissions on the consequences within 14 days before formal disposal.