BLIND IT WORKER WINS DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION CASE

A blind IT worker has won a discrimination case against a multinational advertising agency that gave her "nothing to do" for two years.

Sue Williams was a worldwide IT developer with the J Walter Thompson Group (JWT), but the firm was "ill-prepared for her arrival", and gave her no suitable work throughout her employment, it was said.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Williams had been discriminated against and constructively dismissed.  She won the right to substantial compensation under the Disability Discrimination Act, and the amount will be calculated at a later hearing.

Lord Justice Mummery said that there was "no escaping the fact that nothing much happened", with Williams denied adequate software and appropriate work.  None of the tasks she was allocated were challenging for a person of her intellect and industry, and she was effectively "given nothing to do for two years".

The judge said that the company had good intentions, but offered no training on disability discrimination.

An employment tribunal had ruled that she had been the victim of unlawful discrimination, but this was overturned in November 2003 by the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

The total cost of the case to JWT could run to six figures. In its defence, JWT said that it was inhibited by unforeseen software difficulties and the high cost of training and equipping her.  

BUSINESSES IGNORE TERROR THREAT

Too many businesses are ill-prepared for the possibility of a terrorist attack, according to a poll carried out for the Institute of Directors (IoD).

The survey of 500 IoD members shows that 49% of businesses have no contingency plans to help them cope with a terrorist attack and 23% spend virtually nothing on security.

Some 72% of directors allocate something to security, with the majority spending between 1-5% of turnover.

Richard Wilson, the IoD's head of business policy, said terrorism posed a threat to employees, customers and the viability of many businesses.

He added: "All firms should draw up business continuity plans, test them regularly and train staff to act upon them."

Only one in five IoD members have increased expenditure on security since 11 September 2001, according to the survey.

Just 69% routinely check the references and documentation of staff and contractors when recruiting and hiring.

WINTER & COMPANY
ONE-DAY "WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY" TRAINING COURSE

 

Venue:  Regus Conference Centre, 12 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4RB
Dates: March 3rd, 4th, 8th or 9th, 2005.

 

Who Should Attend?


"Those who are responsible for or involved in managing Health & Safety in the workplace."

 

Course Programme Includes:

Guiding you through Health & Safety Legislation Manual Handling
Risk Assessments Workplace Welfare
Display Screen Equipment Induction Training
Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment First Aid at Work
Fire Safety and Arrangements Outside Contractors
Disability Discrimination

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

For further information or to book a training course, email us at training@health-safety.net or call Sandy Trott Free on 0800 169 1554 

 

For information on health & safety matters in your office, including “questions & answers”, see our web site at www.health-safety.net.