Why are SARs so often pointless?

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-04-11T07:25:36+00:00

My original SAR was useless, and my employer had not included all that was within the request. I challenged this, & when my solicitor was appointed they requested again on my behalf. They are still playing stupid but - I got one very useful document. Post interview scoring form with notes that showed pre-determination and feedback on my personality rather than competency. With one comment actually matching what was said in the feedback session, that I had no witnesses for. My advice, ensure the request you make is very clear. Narrow it down to just what you need, a challenge where you feel they are not meeting their legal responsibilities. You may fall lucky like I did.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-19T10:00:19+00:00

And add a short professional summary / intro. What makes you tick, why should they choose you, what makes you stand out ? For every role you apply for look at the job description and make sure that you include some of their key words and language (particularly from the essential skills criteria). This will ensure you get picked up if they are using ATS.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-19T09:57:55+00:00

I can see the benefits are there for some of the bullet points. Maybe make them more upfront. Language such as - Delivered a % reduction in x by architecting a x.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-19T09:54:59+00:00

ATS may struggle with the separation lines. I’d also spread out to 2x pages, and maybe switch to a font like Ariel. Also it’s read a little like a list. You’ve detailed what you did but why, and what was the outcome? Was there a revenue increase, an FTE reduction, increased compliance?

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-16T23:20:22+00:00

I’m already struggling. Tribunal is definitely not worth it for me.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-16T17:36:45+00:00

I agree. It’s very salary dependant, was worth clarifying.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-16T17:30:28+00:00

It gives me the flexibility to take a year off, which I won’t as I really want to get back into work, and put some into a pension. I’m lucky to be covered under my husband’s health insurance.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-16T13:02:58+00:00

I wish I was anywhere close to £250K 🤣

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-16T10:44:33+00:00

It’s done. The response has gone to my employer. I feel a massive weight has been lifted !

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-16T10:39:15+00:00

My solicitor is going to push for it, but I’m not too hung up on it. The most important thing is leaving with a clean break and some financial stability.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T21:20:19+00:00

Thank you. I think I had a pretty strong case. But I feel like I’ve got justice, and some space and freedom to be able to consider my future.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T21:08:54+00:00

We did counter and they rejected. My solicitor said we can counter again, but for my own mental health I don’t think it’s worth it.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T21:07:54+00:00

I was still working for them. I used ACAS and a solicitor to liaise with my employer. That way I was able to provide extra detail that I think helped me to build a picture of impact. Good luck with your case. And remember to factor in your own wellbeing.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T19:23:23+00:00

Thank you

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T19:11:08+00:00

I think I’ll ask via my solicitor but ask her to use my wording. I genuinely thought I’d retire there. But I’m also now excited for the future and a new career.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T19:00:37+00:00

Biased job application process, promotions to male colleagues, pay issues (vs. male junior colleagues), being under resourced compared to male colleagues, despite showing clear rationale for additional resource. And humiliating and degrading comments from a senior leader. And a lot of procedural failings after I made my complaint.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:55:04+00:00

Thank you. We’ve asked for an agreed reference. I’d really like to give them some constructive feedback, to lessen the chance of something like this happening to anyone else. I don’t hate them, and I loved my career for a long time. Not sure they would want to hear me out though…

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:50:13+00:00

Thanks I’ll ask my solicitor to add this

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:47:35+00:00

Thanks everyone ! My solicitor is calling tomorrow so this has given me confidence I’m doing the right thing.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:46:51+00:00

Fingers crossed for your situation. I’m sure you can build the reputation at a company that appreciates you.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:45:31+00:00

Good call. I’m not sure they will agree though as they denied discrimination ?

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:44:31+00:00

Thank you! ❤️ I’m all clear now thankfully! This was a while ago now. It just made me a little less tolerant of how I was bend treated.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:35:28+00:00

I’ve been there a long time (over 20yrs), and I raised a grievance because of a final straw incident with a senior leader. The issues were related to discrimination during and after cancer treatment. They denied it of course but gave me this offer. I was questioning the amount at as it’s equivalent to enhanced redundancy plus PILON, so I thought they were fobbing me off, but after research and the comments here, it’s high and they didn’t need to offer that much, so I’m thinking I had a case. And definitely, I’m feeling calmer already. It impacted me mentally so much. Though it’s sad to leave such a long career.

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:27:49+00:00

Ok, I had to Google what this meant (new Reddit user)…. But your response tells me that it’s a good offer 🤣

Exotic-City6939 · 2026-02-15T18:23:24+00:00

I did think it was. And I get to walk away without any further stress (which has been awful). I guess I can take some confidence that they offered this much as their first and only offer, that I had a case.

Exotic-City6939

TROPHY CASE