Employment Appeal Tribunal Hearing Scheduled in University of Bristol’s Appeal Against Professor David Miller’s Landmark Employment Tribunal Victory

Rahman Lowe Solicitors very much look forward to defending University of Bristol’s appeal against the landmark decision of the Employment Tribunal, which was determined in our client, Professor Miller’s favour in February 2024.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) will hear the University of Bristol’s appeal on 12–14 November 2025 at 10am. The hearing will take place at: Employment Appeal Tribunal, Rolls Buildings, Fetter Ln, London EC4A 1NL.

Last year, the Employment Tribunal found that Professor Miller had been discriminated against because of his anti-Zionist beliefs and unfairly dismissed by the University of Bristol. Importantly, the Tribunal held for the first time that anti-Zionism constitutes a philosophical belief worthy of protection under the Equality Act 2010, a historic ruling with significant implications for freedom of expression and belief in the workplace

The University of Bristol appealed the decision that Professor Miller was discriminated against and unfairly dismissed. Professor Miller in turn has cross appealed challenging the Tribunal’s determinations in respect of direct discrimination, harassment and the finding of contributory fault.

The EAT will now consider the matter. Rahman Lowe Solicitors and Zac Sammour of 11 KBW continue to represent Professor Miller in defending the Tribunal’s findings in their entirety.

Full details of the original Tribunal ruling can be found here:
Rahman Lowe secures landmark victory in employment case for Professor David Miller against Bristol University

Statement from Zillur Rahman, Partner at Rahman Lowe Solicitors

“This appeal has been brought by the University of Bristol following a groundbreaking judgment that recognised anti-Zionism as a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act. The original decision was a landmark victory for equality and freedom of expression in academic and employment contexts. We will be vigorously defending that ruling before the Employment Appeal Tribunal”

Statement from Professor David Miller

““The Tribunal’s judgment was clear and correct in that it confirmed that anti-Zionist beliefs deserve legal protection and that I was unfairly dismissed for holding them.

The University’s appeal provides an opportunity to reaffirm those principles and to ensure that academic freedom and belief are properly upheld. There are aspects of the judgment that I do not agree with however, and we too will be challenging these as part of this appeal.”

Media Enquiries

All media enquiries should be directed to Jahad Rahman on 07956 450814 or jrahman@rllaw.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR: Rahman Lowe Solicitors is a specialist employment and discrimination law firm. We advise both employers and employees on aspects of employment law, including complex discrimination (all types), whistleblowing, breach of contract/wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal claims, bonus disputes, restrictive covenant issues and injunctions. We also specialise in defamation and professional discipline. For additional information please email info@rllaw.co.uk  or call (0)20 3950 5234.

For further information or to discuss a potential claim, please contact us on 020 3950 5234 or info@rllaw.co.uk. We are ranked as a ‘Leading Firm’ in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners independent guides to the UK Legal Profession.