Legal Updates

Disabled worker sues Sainsbury''s for unfair dismissal

Date:  11 Aug 2008

A disabled warehouse worker has taken Sainsbury''s to an employment tribunal, accusing the supermarket giant of sacking him over complaints made about unfair treatment.

Basingstoke-based Anthony Parker was dismissed after ignoring a compulsory random stop-and-search request at work, reports the Basingstoke Gazette.

In response, he claims the painkilling drugs used following the amputation of his right arm had made him confused, while also arguing that other workers who flouted the rules had kept their jobs.

Mr Parker, who had worked for the employer for ten years, is seeking a five-figure compensation payout for loss of earnings, injury to feelings and discrimination.

Speaking at the tribunal, he claimed Sainsbury''s had used the security incident as a reason to sack him.

He added: "When I was given my risk assessment to return to the warehouse, I felt offended because the woman looked at what I couldn''t do instead of what I could."

The claimant, who lost an arm in a motorbike accident in 2001, claimed his role was downgraded against his as a result of his injuries - violating disability laws.

Sainsbury''s solicitor Ken Cadoo,told the tribunal that the employer had, "at every opportunity", "bent over backwards" to accommodate Mr Parker following his accident.

The tribunal panel is expected to publish its decision shortly.

Lynne Burns is an employment law specialist working at Vizards Tweedie and dealing with all aspects of employment law

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