Miss N Chaara v Chanel Limited HELD AT: Manchester (hybrid by CVP) — 2024

This was a public preliminary hearing on 17 and 18 January 2024 about the respondent's strike-out and related applications in two claims brought by Miss N Chaara against Chanel Limited. During the resumed hearing the claimant also withdrew claims against the second, third and fourth respondents, and those were dismissed upon withdrawal. The tribunal had already held several earlier hearings and repeatedly directed the claimant to provide further particulars and medical evidence so that the issues could be identified and any necessary adjustments assessed.

For claim 1 (2420018/2020), the judge found that the claimant had not complied with the orders of Judge Butler made on 28 October 2021, the later order made by Judge Buzzard, or Judge Doyle's order for medical evidence. Despite extensions, reminders and support from the tribunal and the respondent, the further particulars remained outstanding. The tribunal held that the claim had not been actively pursued, that repeated defaults meant a fair hearing was no longer possible, and that the claim form had been presented out of time so that it was not just and equitable to extend time under section 123 Equality Act 2010.

For claim 2 (2203956/2022), the tribunal held that the claim had no reasonable prospects of success and was also out of time under section 123 Equality Act 2010. The respondent's application for a deposit order was not granted because the claim was struck out, and the applications for an unless order, further particulars, a list of issues and additional case management orders were not granted for the same reason. The judgment does not make substantive findings on the merits of the pleaded discrimination and whistleblowing allegations.