Marketing Executive Loses Discrimination Case Over Festival Leave Request

A marketing executive, Sarah Sadler, has lost her discrimination case against her former employer, Arthouse Unlimited, after being denied time off to attend the 2000 Trees Festival. Sadler argued that her belief in the importance of music festivals for 'human flourishing' constituted a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010.

Sadler, 49, had requested three days of annual leave in July 2024 to attend the rock music festival in Gloucestershire, which she described as being of 'spiritual significance' to her. She stated that she held a genuine belief in the importance of community, mutual support, authenticity, inclusion, and shared responsibility, and that festivals are environments where these values are expressed.

Arthouse Unlimited, a charity that supports adults with disabilities in creating artwork, denied Sadler's request, citing the inability to find cover for her shift due to her already taking several lengthy periods of leave. The charity was aware that Sadler had a history of stage three bowel cancer, had undergone major surgery and chemotherapy, and also suffered from PTSD.

At the Reading Employment Tribunal, Employment Judge Andrew Gumbiti-Zimuto dismissed Sadler's claim. The judge stated that Sadler's belief centered almost entirely on her attendance at the festival and participation in a particular social community, describing it as a 'lifestyle choice' and a strong attachment to a particular community, rather than a belief independent of these activities.

The tribunal also dismissed Sadler's claims of disability discrimination concerning her treatment after emergency gallbladder surgery in January 2024 and subsequent recovery. She had alleged pressure to return to work and a lack of support for working from home, but these claims were not upheld.

Sadler, who worked for Arthouse Unlimited from June 2023 until her dismissal in June 2024, expressed disappointment with the ruling. She stated that the case was about the significance of the festival to her and how her request and beliefs were treated, emphasizing that these gatherings represent more than entertainment, serving as places of community, belonging, and continuity through difficult times.

She indicated that bringing the tribunal claim as a disabled litigant in person was an 'extraordinarily demanding experience' and expressed hope for future discussions on supporting disabled employees requesting flexibility and reasonable adjustments, as well as the accessibility of the tribunal process itself.