Following the successful Employment Tribunal case of Rose Taylor –v- Jaguar Land Rover Ltd (Case No 1304471/2018) in September 2020, Jaguar Land Rover have signed an agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to improve its policies and practices in relation to equality and diversity.
Brethertons represented Rose Taylor who successfully brought claims against her employer - Jaguar Land Rover - after suffering abuse and a lack of support after identifying as gender fluid/non-binary. The implication of this Judgment is that other complex gender identities may also fall within the definition of gender reassignment under section 7, Equalities Act 2010, where individuals propose to undergo a process of moving their gender identity away from their birth gender.
Under the terms of the agreement, Jaguar Land Rover have agreed to develop an action plan to prevent future breaches of equality law and have committed to make numerous changes and follow recommendations made by the Employment Tribunal. To read more about the agreement click here.
Following the news of the agreement, Rose Taylor commented “I was harassed at Jaguar Land Rover in 2017/2018, when I started transitioning my gender. It was awful. In early 2017, I didn’t know anyone where I worked who was out in my workplace (as a gay colleague was leaving). I was the founder of the Jaguar Land Rover LGBT network. And I welcome the agreement. It should bring confidence that people can be themselves in the workplace. And I look forward to seeing the changes over the coming years.”
Robin Moira White, Barrister of Old Square Chambers, instructed by Brethertons to represent Rose Taylor at the Employment Tribunal said; “This case shows how one brave person standing up against discrimination can make a real difference for thousands of employees and workers across the spectrum of diversity. All workers should feel safe to be who they really are at work. It is especially pleasing to see some of the steps agreed as part of the result of the case incorporated into the plan agreed with the EHRC, the high level commitment from JLR and the monitoring process to ensure that real change occurs. The case illustrates a number of useful workplace lessons on diversity, inclusion and the respectful treatment of individuals, whatever their protected characteristic.”
Sioban Calcott, Partner at Brethertons who had conduct of the Rose’s case said; “The outcome of Rose’s case will make a big difference in many workplaces. This has clearly been a very challenging matter for both Rose and JLR and we are very pleased to see that positive change is being implemented at JLR. Ensuring policies and practices are suitable for our modern world can be challenging and not always easy. We very much hope that this case will lead to more positive change by more Employers.”
Amy Edwards, Partner and Head of Brethertons Employment Department said; “I am so pleased that we were able to help Rose during such a difficult time in her life which has not only resulted in a landmark case, but also a real commitment from JLR to change their practices to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen in the future. At Brethertons we are now extremely well placed to support other employers to ensure that they follow JLRs lead to take pragmatic steps to ensure that all employees are able to work and thrive in a diverse and respectful workplace“.
Brethertons take great pride in supporting such a pivotal case in this area of law and are delighted with the outcome both for Rose and others in the future.
For more information on how Brethertons can help you with your Employment Law issues please visit https://www.brethertons.co.uk/site/services/employment-law-solicitors/employment-law-employees/ or call 01295 270999 to speak to one of our friendly team today. We have offices in Banbury, Bicester and Rugby.
If you would like to read more about Equality Rights and Section 23 agreements please click here.
Photo shows (from left to right): Sioban Calcott, Partner at Brethertons, Rose Taylor and Robin White, Barrister at Old Square Chambers after the successful Employment Tribunal case.