Five Women Accuse Judge Philip Lancaster of Bullying and Sexist Behavior during Employment Tribunal Hearings
Five women have accused Judge Philip Lancaster of bullying and sexist behavior during employment tribunal hearings.
The women, who appeared before him in separate cases in Leeds, claimed he shouted at them and made degrading comments.
One woman feared for any woman appearing before him.
Mr. Lancaster has not responded to the BBC's questions.
All the women lost their cases in front of him, but some were successful on appeal.
Employment tribunals are courts that rule on disputes between employers and employees.
Approximately 30,000 employment hearings take place annually in England, Scotland, and Wales, dealing with matters such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, and redundancy payments.
In February 2022, Dr. Hinaa Toheed, a GP, attended an employment tribunal in this jurisdiction to bring a maternity discrimination case against her former business partner.
On the first day of her hearing before Judge Lancaster, her case was described as an "omnishambles." During her testimony, the judge took over cross-examining her from the opposing side's barrister and attempted to pressure her into conceding points that supported their case.
During her testimony, Dr. Toheed claimed that Judge Lancaster shouted at her whenever she disagreed with his views, causing her legal team to express concern over his intimidating behavior.
Over the course of three days, they documented 16 instances of this behavior.
Despite considering the option, they ultimately decided against asking the judge to recuse himself from the case due to the potential risks of further antagonizing him.
One woman feared for any woman appearing before him.
Mr. Lancaster has not responded to the BBC's questions.
All the women lost their cases in front of him, but some were successful on appeal.
Employment tribunals are courts that rule on disputes between employers and employees.
Approximately 30,000 employment hearings take place annually in England, Scotland, and Wales, dealing with matters such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, and redundancy payments.
In February 2022, Dr. Hinaa Toheed, a GP, attended an employment tribunal in this jurisdiction to bring a maternity discrimination case against her former business partner.
On the first day of her hearing before Judge Lancaster, her case was described as an "omnishambles." During her testimony, the judge took over cross-examining her from the opposing side's barrister and attempted to pressure her into conceding points that supported their case.
During her testimony, Dr. Toheed claimed that Judge Lancaster shouted at her whenever she disagreed with his views, causing her legal team to express concern over his intimidating behavior.
Over the course of three days, they documented 16 instances of this behavior.
Despite considering the option, they ultimately decided against asking the judge to recuse himself from the case due to the potential risks of further antagonizing him.
