Domestic worker permitted to pursue complaint of caste discrimination

Tirkey v Chandok and another ET/3400174/2013

The Secretary of State has the power to amend section 9(5) of the Equality Act 2010 to make 'caste' a protected characteristic. It is the government's intention to carry out a wide public consultation before exercising this power.

However, an Employment Tribunal has today held that 'caste' is already part of the protected characteristic of race (which includes ethnic group). The Tribunal found that the fact that the Government has decided to legislate to make it clear that caste is a protected characteristic, or an aspect of the protected characteristic of race, is not determinative of the issue. Read the Judgment here. 

ATLEU lawyers and Christopher Milsom of Cloisters Chambers acted for the Claimant.