A youth worker has been accused of weaponising employment tribunals in a bid to 'get rich fast' after a judge threw out his 54th consecutive unsuccessful claim.
A pattern of vexatious litigation
Joseph Johnson has been criticised by employment judges for lodging a catalogue of what they describe as bogus discrimination claims. The tribunals found his actions were designed to 'cause disruption' and make money, rather than address genuine grievances. Since 2016, Mr Johnson has launched 54 separate cases and has not won a single one.
In his most recent claim, heard in London, he targeted the London Borough of Harrow and an agency worker, Caroline Rowlands. He alleged Ms Rowlands failed to 'act on information' and that Harrow had a duty to act against the London Borough of Barnet—another council he had previously tried to sue.
Employment Judge Tanveer Rakhim dismissed the claim, stating it was 'legally incapable of succeeding'. The judge noted Mr Johnson was 'targeting legal representatives who were simply doing their job' and labelled him a 'sophisticated litigant'.
A history of targeting charities and schools
Official records reveal Mr Johnson has repeatedly aimed his claims at youth charities, schools, and public bodies. His previous targets include:
- Benthal Primary School in London (2018)
- A charity supporting disadvantaged youths
- A hate crime charity
- Newark Youth London youth club (2024)
- Oxford Kilburn Youth Trust (2023)
Judge Rakhim referenced a pattern of 'litigation by attrition', citing a previous finding by Employment Judge Jamie Anderson that Mr Johnson is a 'serial litigant'. The judge's ruling stated: 'This litigation is a continuation of that pattern, targeting legal representatives and an agency worker in a personal and vexatious manner.'
The tribunal heard that most of his 54 claims have been struck out for breaching orders or failing to pay deposit orders. Judge Rakhim concluded this 'supports the conclusion that the purpose of the claims is to cause disruption rather than to pursue genuine allegations.'
Previous claims and judicial criticism
Details from past tribunals paint a clear picture of Mr Johnson's methods. In 2018, he sued Benthal Primary School for sex and race discrimination. The tribunal found he had been suspended after creating a safeguarding issue by linking school footage to his personal YouTube channel, seemingly for a business venture. His appraisal letter to two female colleagues was deemed 'curt to the point of rudeness' and 'arrogant'. All claims were dismissed.
In 2024, he took Newark Youth London to a tribunal, seeking £70,000 for injury to feelings after just four months of employment in 2023. Employment Judge Laura Howden-Evans stated: '[Mr Johnson] views employment tribunal proceedings as a means to get rich fast, rather than this being somebody seeking compensation for genuine harm.'
During a 2023 case against the Oxford Kilburn Youth Trust, Mr Johnson admitted he saw tribunal claims as 'the equivalent to him disciplining' organisations. He argued that any response from an organisation he sued was 'retaliation'.
The consistent judicial findings across dozens of cases suggest a systematic abuse of the employment tribunal system, designed to harass organisations and extract settlements rather than seek justice.
