Tribunal Rules Royal College of Nursing Did Not Discriminate

An employment tribunal in Dundee ruled that the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) did not discriminate against nurse Sandie Peggie based on her sex-realist or gender-critical beliefs. Judge Melanie Sangster dismissed all three of Peggie's claims, concluding that the union's actions were not influenced by her protected beliefs.

Peggie alleged the RCN provided poor advice and refused legal assistance following a December 2023 dispute at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, where she objected to sharing a female-only changing room with Dr. Beth Upton, a transgender woman. Peggie claimed the union failed to secure assurances regarding single-sex space policies and refused to fund a second legal case. The tribunal found that the RCN had sought the requested assurances and that the denial of funding followed established union rules regarding independent legal advice.

The ruling also noted contradictions in Peggie's testimony regarding her knowledge of convicted rapist Isla Bryson. This case follows a previous dispute with her employer, NHS Fife, in which Peggie won a partial harassment claim but was also found to have harassed a transgender doctor and shared racist jokes.

The RCN welcomed the decision, stating it acted fairly and impartially. A spokesperson for Peggie argued the judgment raises questions about the responsibility of union officers to identify statutory bases for legal claims, and her legal team is considering further steps.