Disabled supermarket manager who failed probation because he refused to work overtime hours wins £32,000 payout

Disabled supermarket manager who failed probation because he refused to work overtime hours wins £32,000 payout

A disabled supermarket manager has been awarded £32,000 after a tribunal ruled that he was unfairly dismissed for refusing to work overtime. The case highlights issues surrounding disability rights and workplace accommodations in the UK.

What happened

The manager, who worked at a supermarket chain, was placed on probation but failed to meet the company's requirements after declining to work additional hours. The employer cited this refusal as the reason for his dismissal. The manager subsequently filed a claim with an employment tribunal, arguing that his disability prevented him from working overtime.

Why this is gaining attention

This case has drawn public interest due to its implications for employment rights, particularly for individuals with disabilities. It raises questions about reasonable adjustments in the workplace and the obligations of employers under equality legislation.

What it means

The tribunal's decision reinforces the legal protections afforded to disabled workers in the UK. It underscores the necessity for employers to consider reasonable adjustments and to ensure that dismissal is not based on a failure to accommodate an employee's needs related to their disability.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: A disabled supermarket manager won £32,000 after being unfairly dismissed for refusing to work overtime during his probation period.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: The ruling highlights ongoing issues related to disability rights and employer responsibilities in accommodating workers' needs.