UK · EATCourt order
UK EAT says Khans Solicitors cannot owe aggravated damages merely as an employment firm
Employment Appeal Tribunal deputy president HHJ James Tayler held that an employment tribunal erred by awarding £5,000 aggravated damages against London firm Khans Solicitors mainly because it advises on employment law, and remitted that award and a £672 sick-pay point to the same tribunal. Legal Futures reported the ruling on September 18, 2026; the EAT also queried why Khans had not paid Forida Kaiser’s £105,500 damages and £3,600 costs within 14 days despite a limited appeal.
Key points
- HHJ James Tayler in the EAT held the employment tribunal erred in its aggravated-damages analysis against Khans Solicitors.Legal Futures
- The ET had awarded £5,000 aggravated damages, citing that the discriminator was a solicitors’ firm advising on employment law.Legal Futures
- The EAT said that approach sounded punitive, which is not a permissible basis for aggravated damages.Legal Futures
- Solicitor expertise can matter only with findings of high-handed, malicious, insulting, or oppressive conduct.Legal Futures
- The EAT questioned why Khans had not paid Kaiser’s £105,500 damages and £3,600 costs within 14 days despite appealing limited issues.Legal Futures