Case Highlights Irwin Mitchell's Education Sector Credentials

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of Coventry University in its judgment in Pipe v Coventry University Higher Education Corporation, confirming that all of Mr Pipe’s points of appeal have been dismissed.

Employment lawyers at Irwin Mitchell had been instructed to defend Coventry University at the Court of Appeal, which handed down the judgment earlier this month following a hearing in January 2024.

In its decision, the Court confirmed (reiterating the earlier decisions of the employment tribunal and employment appeal tribunal) that Mr Pipe’s numerous applications for progression had been rejected by the University due to there being no business case for the role – not due to any disability discrimination, as so alleged.

As such and on this basis, the points of law which formed part of his latest appeal did not succeed.

We now await the tribunal’s decision in the final element of this matter – claims relating to events in 2020 that were remitted back to the tribunal for consideration due to the failure to consider these elements at the first hearing, claims which the University intends to fully defend.   

A spokesperson for Coventry University said: “We are pleased the Court of Appeal has ruled in our favour and supported the earlier tribunal findings.

“We take our duty as a responsible employer very seriously and will vigorously defend our approach. We are grateful to Irwin Mitchell for their expertise and support in helping prove our case.”