Tribunal watch: Disability harassment against West Yorkshire Police for “doolally” remark

An employment tribunal has found that a sergeant’s comments to a police officer returning to work after a stress-related absence constituted disability harassment. Stephen Simpson rounds up the past week’s tribunal claims.

Stress: “doolally” and “cuckoo’s nest” comments in return-to-work interview were disability harassment In Gardner v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police and another, there was a good example for line managers of inappropriate comments in a return-to-work interview. An employment tribunal has found that a sergeant’s comments to a police officer returning to work after a stress-related absence constituted disability harassment.

The tribunal found that the sergeant had not received any equal opportunities training since 2006 and also found flaws in the police service’s policy on equality and diversity.

Other tribunal decisions in the headlines

Canal worker sacked after drinking boast wins his case A canal worker who was sacked over Facebook comments claiming he was drinking while on standby for flood alert has won his case for unfair dismissal, according to the Scottish Herald.

Whistleblower loses bullying claim An NHS whistleblower was left in tears after an employment tribunal dismissed her claims that she was bullied by her bosses when she made allegations about poor patient care and staff welfare, says the Press Association.

Blow for former Norwich Connaught workers after compensation bid fails More than 100 Norwich workers who lost their jobs when city council contractor Connaught went into administration have been left disappointed after their bid to pave the way for compensation failed, writes EDP24.

Primary head was unfairly dismissed A headteacher who lost her job despite rescuing a village primary school from the brink of closure has won her case for unfair dismissal, according to the Exmouth Journal.

Shop worker tells tribunal how colleagues victimised her for love of Ferrero Rocher chocolates A shop assistant has told a tribunal that her work colleagues made her life a misery by taunting her about her love for Ferrero Rocher chocolates, reports the Birmingham Mail.