The Employment Law & HR Podcast

Harassment and disability discrimination

In this episode of the podcast I summarise the facts and law concerning a case involving a trainee teacher who was suspended due to the fact that he could not write for more than a couple of minutes. The employee, who had been diagnosed with dyspraxia, claimed disability discrimination, harassment and constructive unfair dismissal.  

In this episode I will cover:

  • Section 26 of the Equality Act 2010 which covers the law regarding harassment.
  • A breakdown of the considerations that will be made by the Employment Tribunal when assessing harassment.
  • The conclusion of the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal in this case.
  • Assurance for employers that you can have difficult conversations with employees who are not capable of undertaking the job as a result of a disability.
  • Why obtaining an occupational health report is essential at an early stage.
  • Why making a decision in respect of the adverse effects of a disability does not constitute direct discrimination.

Action Points

  1. if you have concerns about an employees fitness for work then seek medical advice as soon as possible.
  2. If an employee has a disability then you will need to make adjustments and consider what can be done to assist them.
  3. Understand the any decision making with regards to disabled employees carries a risk, regardless of their length of service.
  4. Seek legal advice before making any decisions.

Useful Links

Ahmed v The Cardinal Hume Academies - Employment Appeal Tribunal

 

Please do leave any comments, ideas and best practice below. Please ensure that any comments are respectful to all views and opinions.

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Direct download: Episoe_125_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:53am EDT

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