In person For the v Respondent — 2023

At the preliminary hearing on 7 November 2023, Employment Judge Postle considered whether Mr Harry Stedman was a disabled person within the meaning of s.6 Equality Act 2010 on the basis of Autism / ADHD. The tribunal had a 63-page bundle, including the claimant's impact statement, GP material, and a report from Professor Fox confirming adult ADHD, and it heard evidence from the claimant about the contents of his statement.

The tribunal accepted that the claimant had a mental impairment, but concluded that the impairment did not have a substantial adverse effect on his normal day to day activities. It noted his evidence that he had completed a Business Studies degree in 2018, achieved strong school results, had coping strategies, was able to form friendships and perform publicly, and was not on medication.

The tribunal considered that the claimant's stated difficulties with reading, writing, concentration, friendships, driving and public transport were overstated or were not more than what might be expected in ordinary life. In particular, it noted that he used public transport, had not taken driving lessons or a driving test, and said he had never been told he could not drive. It therefore held that he was not a disabled person for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. No monetary remedy was awarded because the judgment resolved a preliminary issue only.