Nelson v Carillion Services Ltd.

Nelson v Carillion Services Ltd.

The appellant failed to establish, on the balance of probabilities, a prima facie case of indirect sex discrimination because the statistical evidence relied upon was not valid or significant; the burden of proof in such cases lies on the claimant to provide sufficient evidence of disproportionate adverse impact before the employer is required to justify the difference.

Parties
Appellant: Nelson; Respondent: Carillion Services Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
15 April 2003
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From Employment Appeal Tribunal
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Equal Pay, Indirect Discrimination, Burden of Proof

Case Brief

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Parties

Nelson

Appellant

Carillion Services Limited

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From Employment Appeal Tribunal

  1. 1 Whether the appellant established indirect sex discrimination under s1 of the Equal Pay Act 1970
  2. 2 Whether the burden of proof lies on the claimant or employer in indirect discrimination claims under the Act

Ratio Decidendi

The appellant failed to establish, on the balance of probabilities, a prima facie case of indirect sex discrimination because the statistical evidence relied upon was not valid or significant; the burden of proof in such cases lies on the claimant to provide sufficient evidence of disproportionate adverse impact before the employer is required to justify the difference.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appellant to pay respondent's costs of the appeal in the sum of £5,756.25
  • Permission to appeal to the House of Lords refused