Nurse sacked for refusing to work weekends wins appeal over ‘childcare disparity’ discrimination

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But following a review in 2016, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation trust sought to introduce more flexible working and a requirement that community nurses work some weekends. “This important landmark decision gives a clear warning: working mothers with caring responsibilities should not be penalised if they are not able to work flexibly to meet business needs or demands of a service.” The case will now go back before an employment tribunal to again consider the issues of indirect discrimination and unfair dismissal. A spokeswoman for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “The trust notes the judgment of the Employment Appeal Tribunal. “It is important to note that the Employment Appeal Tribunal did not find in its judgment that Mrs Dobson was discriminated against or unfairly dismissed by the trust, which is why the matter will return to the original employment tribunal for further consideration.” Additional reporting by Press Association