Disability Discrimination Case

An employment tribunal has ruled that an employer directly discriminated against the blind employee when they dismissed her without investigating whether any reasonable adjustments could be made.

The woman was employed as a receptionist/nursing assistant at a veternary centre. Following a stroke, she lost the sight in both eyes.When the centre was informed of this, they dismissed her as they believed that she would no longer be able to carry out her duties, particularly those of nursing assistant. They did not meet with her or consider whether any adjustments could be made before taking the decision to dismiss her. She brought claims for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.