A law firm dismissed a disabled paralegal who could not work fulltime due to her disability. They were ordered to pay compensation of £41,411.78. See decision here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667e8ec14ae39c5e45fe4d92/Ms_S_Kauser_v_Inaaya_Solicitors_Limited_-_2404170_2023_-_Judgment.pdf

O2 sales advisor settles disability case for £160,000 Mr Bowen was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, a degenerative disc condition which caused pain, severe fatigue, sleep and mobility issues leading to periods of sick leave.  An Occupational Health assessment made recommendations to help him manage his job.  However, there were not appropriately implemented, according to Mr Bowen, […]

This Court of Appeal decision is very important, given the current delays and difficulties people are experiencing trying to access an assessment for neurodiversity. This decision confirms that an assessment is not required in order for a person to be considered disabled; rather what is relevant is whether they meet the definition of disability under […]

Mary Kitson, Senior Legal Officer with the Equality Commission for NI, describes a recent settlement involving Mr Óisín McKerr, who is autistic, and a former employer, Mak’s Plaice, in Magheralin. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68986248

Hearing Loss Case Settlement Neurodivergence case: “It is symptoms of neurodivergence that affect a person’s day to day activities that matter, regardless of whether or not they have received a diagnosis”

One of the most common queries we have from our member employers is around reasonable adjustments.  Therefore, the recent article by the Chair of the Equality Commission for NI on this issue was of interest.  It is brief and informative, with examples and links for further reading. ECNI – What does ‘reasonable’ mean in ‘reasonable […]

A man who is blind has received £7,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for sending him inaccessible letters despite repeated requests for these to provided in an accessible format.  Read full story on BBC

Employers for Disability NI was honoured to speak at the Belfast Solicitors’ Association 80th Anniversary Gala in Belfast City Hall on Saturday night, 10th June 2023. We are privileged that Employers for Disability NI was chosen as its Charity Partner for 2023. Sincere thanks to the Chair of Belfast Solicitors’ Association, Sarah Wilson, who was […]

Amelie Cummins has a learning disability and her statement of Special Educational Needs provided for her to attend mainstream nursery school with 22.5 hours of classroom support each week.  Amelie started Trinity Nursery School, but were informed that she had to start school 15 minutes later everyday than all the other children in her class, […]

Ulster University research underlines the vital role employers play in closing the 44% employment gap between disabled and non-disabled people in NI. Businesses that currently are not supporting disabled staff and providing flexible working patterns can learn from the practices adopted by members of Employers for Disability NI. Training, advice and information is available for […]