Tribunal victory for member facing workplace harassment

Prospect recently supported a member working in the public services sector to bring a successful claim for disability discrimination and harassment at an employment tribunal.

Our member, a scientist, raised concerns about proposed changes to her workplace that could have affected reasonable adjustments already in place for her and for colleagues. After speaking up, she experienced treatment from senior managers that she felt was discriminatory and undermined her dignity at work.

With Prospect’s support, the case was taken to an employment tribunal. The Tribunal upheld our member’s complaints, finding that comments made about her “personal style” and suggestions that it was not fair for others to have to work with her were related to her disability. The Tribunal concluded that this conduct had the effect of violating her dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading or humiliating environment.

The Tribunal also found that an HR manager had used their senior position to make threats of unspecified disciplinary action in circumstances arising from the member’s disability.

This case underlines the importance of employers taking disability and reasonable adjustments seriously, and of managers understanding how their words and actions can amount to unlawful discrimination or harassment. It also shows how vital it is for members to seek union support early when concerns arise.

A further hearing to determine remedy is due to take place in 2026. Prospect will continue to support our member through the next stage of the process.