A female rail worker has won a claim of unfair dismissal after being sacked when she went on sick leave through work-related stress. Sally Jenkins suffered panic attacks and depression after picking up a syringe on a Heathrow Express train. She took an HIV test and was off work sick but was sacked on health grounds by her employers Heathrow Express, reports BBC News Online. An employment tribunal in London ruled she should be reinstated and awarded damages of £14,800. The figure related to loss of earnings and injury to feelings. She won her claim of unfair dismissal under the Disability Discrimination Act. Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday According to her solicitor, it is rare for a tribunal to order reinstatement even where a finding of unfair dismissal was made. Claire Baker, head of HR at Heathrow Express, said the firm would be considering its options before taking any further action.
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