A former University of Law student who accused the training provider of discrimination has had his claim dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Ian Nwabueze alleged that the University of Law Ltd and six members of its staff discriminated against him when he was studying for a master's in Professional Legal Practice in 2017. He brought a claim in the employment tribunal, which struck it out on the grounds that the University of Law is a university and that, accordingly, only the county court has jurisdiction.

On appeal, Nwabueze argued that the University of Law is not legally defined as a university because of the development of its degree awarding powers. However, the Court of Appeal concluded that the employment tribunal was right to find that the University of Law Ltd is a university under the Equality Act 2010.

In judgment, Lord Justice Bean ruled that the appellant's claim could be brought only in the county court and that the employment tribunal has no jurisdiction. He added the court was in no position to decide on the merits of the allegations themselves.

The appeal was dismissed and Nwabueze was ordered to pay the University of Law £5,000 in costs plus VAT.

 

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