Russell-Cooke successfully defends barristers' chambers in protected belief discrimination claim

Russell-Cooke’s employment team has represented Cornerstone Barristers in a widely publicised protected belief discrimination claim brought by Jon Holbrook.

Mr Holbrook is a barrister who was asked to leave Cornerstone after he tweeted that the Equality Act 2010 empowered "the stroppy teenager of colour". He was referring to Ruby Williams, who had brought an indirect race discrimination claim against her school after it sent her home, saying that her Afro hair breached its dress policy. He argued that he had been discriminated against because of his conservative beliefs.

The tribunal struck out the claim at a preliminary hearing, on the basis that it was out of time. The tribunal did not accept that it would be just and equitable to extend time in all the circumstances of the case.

Partner Anthony Sakrouge represented Cornerstone Barristers. They were represented at the hearing by James Laddie QC, who had been instructed from an early stage.