A London-based paralegal has been awarded over £100,000 after a tribunal found she was unfairly dismissed, discriminated against, and harassed by her employer.
Forida Kaiser, who worked for Khans Solicitors, experienced a series of discriminatory practices, including unpaid wages, disability discrimination, and sex-based harassment. These actions culminated in an employment tribunal ruling in her favour, awarding her £105,500 in damages.
The tribunal highlighted Khans Solicitors’ failure to make reasonable adjustments for Ms. Kaiser, reflecting a breach in providing necessary accommodations for her disabilities. This included denying her training on new systems and ignoring requests to adjust her work environment to accommodate her health needs.
Judge Jones, presiding over the case, remarked on the significant impact of the discriminatory practices on Ms. Kaiser’s mental health and career aspirations. These experiences ended her hopes of becoming a solicitor, a dream she had pursued diligently despite significant personal challenges.
Ms. Kaiser’s ordeal began after rejoining Khans in April 2019, with the expectation of fulfilling her ambition of qualifying as a solicitor. However, the tribunal found the firm’s response to her health disclosures—particularly her cervical spondylosis diagnosis—lacked empathy and led to her dismissal.
The tribunal also noted that Ms. Kaiser faced redundancy after her diagnosis was revealed, despite there being no prior indication of potential layoffs at the firm. Her dismissal appeared retaliatory rather than a business necessity, further compounded by the firm’s inconsistent payment of her wages.
In addition to the substantial damages awarded for injuries to her feelings and breaches of contract, the tribunal ordered Khans Solicitors to pay £3,600 in costs. Judge Jones emphasised the gravity of a law firm, which should champion fair employment practices, engaging in such unlawful conduct.
This case underscores the importance of legal firms upholding employment rights and accommodating diverse needs to avoid discriminatory practices.
