CHRIS’S STORY
I was employed as cleaner for a large distribution company. I have autism, so at times I need extra training on some jobs or a little bit more time to complete jobs. My employer was made aware of this at my job interview. On a number of occasions, I was bullied and harassed by some of my colleagues at work. This included physical threats of violence, swearing, intimidation and shouting in front of other work colleagues. I felt that I had no choice but to challenge this behaviour and reported this to my employer. My employer wanted to do nothing about these comments and threats, but instead suggested that the cause of the problem was my autism. A grievance was raised against me by one of my work colleagues suggesting that it was me who was threatening him and they were transferred to another shift and I was left to work alone. Although it was promised that I would get support from another worker, this support never came and I felt that I had no choice but to resign on the grounds of Constructive Unfair Dismissal and Disability Discrimination.
I contacted Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council (NREC) who lodged a Claim for Disability Discrimination, Constructive Unfair Dismissal and Harassment on my behalf. I was paid compensation to prevent the matter going to a full Employment Tribunal. I would not have been able to have successfully challenged my employer had I not received the assistance from Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council.
*The names have been changed to hide the identity of the Claimants and Respondents
Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council 