Blind man awarded £18,500 after winning tribunal against bakery in Wales
Ian Stanley, a registered blind man, has been awarded £18,500 after a successful tribunal against a bakery that sacked him during his probationary period. Stanley, who has been blind since 2010, began working for The Village Bakery in Wrexham in 2023 after spending 18 years at another food manufacturer. He was dismissed six weeks into his three-month probation, with the bakery citing health and safety concerns. However, the tribunal found that the bakery did not make adequate provisions to accommodate Stanley’s disability during his brief tenure from July 17, 2023.
The bakery, which employs 170 workers at its Coedpoeth bakery, claimed that Stanley’s dismissal was due to health and safety issues. Colleagues reported instances of him making mistakes such as crashing bread racks into machinery, dropping loaves, and inefficient tray cleaning. Despite these concerns, the tribunal determined that the bakery failed to offer sufficient support to Stanley before terminating his employment. Suggestions such as providing a support worker, extending his probationary period, informing colleagues of his disability, and supplying a high-vis vest were not implemented.
The tribunal panel rejected the bakery’s justification for dismissal based on health and safety, noting that no risk assessment had been conducted during Stanley’s six weeks at the factory. Judge R Brace emphasised that Stanley, due to his visual impairment, needed more time to learn the factory layout through experience and touch. The tribunal concluded that the bakery’s failure to make reasonable adjustments, such as providing additional time and support, rendered Stanley’s dismissal unjustified and discriminatory. As a result, the bakery was ordered to pay Stanley £18,567.57 to compensate for lost earnings and injury to feelings.
The case highlights the importance of accommodating disabled employees in the workplace to ensure fair treatment and avoid discrimination. Employers have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities and provide them with equal opportunities for success. It serves as a reminder for businesses to create inclusive work environments that cater to the diverse needs of all employees, irrespective of any disabilities they may have.
The successful outcome of Stanley’s case demonstrates the effectiveness of legal protections in upholding the rights of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. It sets a precedent for holding employers accountable for discriminatory practices and reinforces the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity in all workplaces. The judgement serves as a victory for disability rights advocates and a step towards creating a more equitable and accessible workforce for all.
In conclusion, the case of Ian Stanley serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the workplace and the critical need for employers to uphold their legal obligations to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all employees. It highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace to create environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive and contribute positively. Stanley’s victory in the tribunal stands as a testament to the power of justice in safeguarding the rights of disabled individuals and holding employers accountable for discriminatory practices.