One person's knowledge of disability is not imputed to the whole business (News, 8 March 2016)

Table of contents

• Impact of the case
• Background law
• The facts and the previous judgments
• The judgment of the EAT

Article summary

Knowledge of disability in one part of an organisation, or on the part of one individual in an organisation, does not mean that that knowledge can be imputed: (1) to the organisation generally, or (2) to any or all of its employees, for all purposes, and in particular in the context of deciding whether there has been direct discriminatory conduct. In addition, if an explanation for that conduct is exposed as a lie it is likely to shift the burden of proof but it does not necessarily do so and each case will depend upon its own facts. EAT: Gallop v Newport City Council.