A law firm has become the first employer to face a claim for ‘discrimination by association’ after a tribunal ruled a former employee could bring a claim on the grounds of her child’s disability.

Sharon Coleman alleges disability discrimination against her former employer, London law firm EBR Attridge, on the grounds she was not given the flexibility to care for her disabled child and was treated less favourably than parents of non-disabled children.

Earlier this year, the European Court of Justice ruled that the European framework directive for equal treatment in employment and occupation might protect someone in Coleman’s situation.

The London South employment tribunal, in a pre-hearing review, has directed that the UK’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) should be interpreted after the European model and the case should proceed to trial.

City firm Bates Wells & Braithwaite employment partner Lucy McLynn, who has represented Coleman throughout three and a half years of proceedings, said the ruling applied not just to parents, but to all people with caring responsibilities.

‘There are many similar cases waiting in the wings, some involving parents, others carers. They can now all be heard without waiting for new legislation to be drafted,’ McLynn said.

EBR Attridge Law declined to comment.