Cyclist Jess Varnish loses employment tribunal


Jess Varnish, the former Great Britain track cyclist, has lost her landmark employment case against British Cycling and UK Sport.

Varnish began legal proceedings after claiming she was dropped from the British Cycling squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics in retaliation for criticising her coaches. She argued that she was in effect an employee of both British Cycling and UK Sport and therefore should be subject to certain protections under law – including sick pay, a pension and the right to sue for unfair dismissal.

Had she been successful at a hearing in Manchester last month, it could have had huge implications for the model that enables athletes to receive tax-free funding to pursue their Olympic dreams.

UK Sport said the judge's decision gave them "confidence" in the way relationships between athletes, governing bodies and itself are managed, but the body added it will "reflect on the concerns that were raised through this case".

28 year-old Varnish commented that she had no regrets and added ‘I am happy I was the catalyst for other athletes to speak up and challenge their coaches and organisations, to push for a better and fairer environment in which to excel.’

UK sport said that they have already taken action and will continue to strengthen the duty of care and welfare provided to athletes, ensuring that avenues for raising any concerns are effective and appropriate.

For more information see here.

You may also like

View All

ECHR declares Semenya was violated by Swiss Supreme Court

Europe’s top court, the European Court of Human Rights, has declared that DSD athlete and double 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya was not given the right to a fair hearing by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in 2020 after World Athletics barred her from competing

Read More

Table Tennis England Transgender Policy consultation open

Table Tennis England has devised a Transgender Policy and is seeking feedback via a consultation period which is open until 20 July 2025

Read More

League Managers Association seeks in-house employment solicitor

The League Managers Association is hiring an in-house employment solicitor to deliver and manage legal services for the League Coaches Association and provide wider support to the LMA team

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: