A group of Keele University academic staff are pursuing a collective claim at the Employment Tribunal against the University, alleging racial discrimination, victimisation and detriment following whistleblowing disclosures.
According to a public statement from the group, the case has been formally accepted by the Tribunal and is proceeding through the hearing process. The claims concern discrimination in workload allocation and career development opportunities, victimisation following protected acts under the Equality Act 2010, and detriment after whistleblowing disclosures (including disclosures relating to hiring practices) under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
The group say two preliminary hearings have taken place, with a third scheduled for May 2026, and that a further collective claim brought by other Keele staff is expected to be consolidated with theirs.
What the claimants say
In a public statement that accompanied a crowdfunding appeal for legal costs, the group (who describe themselves as academic staff from underrepresented groups at Keele) say they raised concerns internally before going to the Tribunal, through formal grievances, dignity complaints and whistleblowing disclosures, and that they sought no compensation through these internal routes. They say this did not lead to a resolution.
The group says the case raises issues beyond their individual circumstances, pointing to universities’ obligations under the Equality Act 2010, the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, and their regulatory relationship with the Office for Students.
The crowdfunding page states that all funds raised will go towards legal costs, which the claimants say have so far been paid personally.
UCU survey and AGM motion
A Keele UCU survey on health and safety concerns within Keele Business School, completed by 28 members of staff, found majority dissatisfaction with how workload is allocated, low confidence in school management, and widespread concerns about a toxic working environment, according to the survey report.
Separately, Keele UCU’s AGM this year passed a motion (Motion 2) on institutional racism, which UCU members voted in favour of.
University response
A Keele University spokesperson said:
“Keele is committed to providing a fair, respectful and inclusive working environment and has well-established policies and procedures in place to enable colleagues to raise concerns. Whilst we can’t comment on specific cases, our processes are designed to ensure that issues are considered consistently and confidentially in line with our obligations as an employer.”
Status of the case
The claims are contested and have not been determined by the Tribunal. This article reports the existence and nature of the claims as set out by the parties involved. It does not represent a finding of fact by any court, tribunal or investigation.
Concourse will continue to follow this case as it progresses.
