I have recently achieved a settlement for my client who had issued a claim of Disability Discrimination to the Employment Tribunal. To learn more, keep on reading.
My client’s claim
I met with my client for a Fixed Fee Consultation and during this Consultation meeting she explained to me that she had encountered difficulties with her Line Manager. At the turn of last year, she had become very unwell and consequently to this, she had been diagnosed with a chronic, long-lasting medical condition. I asked her what her symptoms were and considered that she may well meet the definition of a disabled person for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. Once I had identified this, I asked her to continue explaining to me what had been going on at work.
My client explained her Line Manager had engaged in unwanted conduct towards her. He had been rude and aggressive, together with ignoring any requests she had made for reasonable adjustments to be incorporated into her work. Additionally, her Line Manager communicated his intention to commence a performance improvement plan (PIP) instead of considering the requests she had made to help her and his behaviour at work was becoming increasingly unbearable.
I advised my client to submit a Formal Grievance immediately setting out the basis of her concerns and citing that she had suffered acts of Disability Discrimination. I was instructed to draft and submit this for her, and she also instructed me to submit a Without Prejudice letter putting forward an offer of settlement.
The employer investigated her concerns but at this stage, they did not wish to consider a settlement. I therefore advised my client to wait for the outcome to her Formal Grievance. When we received this, we acknowledged their response was poor and so an appeal was submitted. In addition, I suggested we issue her claim to the Employment Tribunal now to assist with our attempts at achieving a settlement with her employer; as it was clear my client did not wish to return to work.
Settlement
Within weeks of submitting her claim to the Employment Tribunal, the company approached us with a view to settle her claims and after a while of settlement discussions, she received an offer for over six months’ gross salary and a good (agreed) factual reference. My client was delighted and accepted the same. As part of the agreement she left her employment but she now has space and time to find new employment, when it feels right for her.
Client Review
My client has since written to me thanking me for my help.
“I will definitely continue to recommend yourselves as the support, assistance and service that I received was excellent.”
How can I help you?
If you have any employment law issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am happy to have an initial free consultation to learn about your workplace issues and discuss in further detail how Lincs Law can help you. Please give me a call on 01522 440512.
Lucy Stones
Associate Employment Solicitor
Lincs Law Solicitors
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