Volunteers and Discrimination Law

The Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision in X v Mid Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau that an unpaid volunteer was not covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  This is no doubt a relief to those organisations that rely on volunteers who may otherwise be concerned of discrimination claims.  Whilst this particular case revolved around earlier legislation protecting against disability discrimination the conclusions apply equally to the terms of the Equality Act 2010, as the relevant definitions to be relied upon (e.g. the definition of occupation and employment) are substantively the same as the old legislation.

For more information, help or advice please contact Tim Davies on 0191 211 7927 or email [email protected].