A recent employment tribunal case has highlighted a unique form of disability discrimination where sighing and exaggerated exhalations by a manager led to a worker being discriminated against. The tribunal ruled in favour of Robert Watson, who described how his manager’s non-verbal frustrations exacerbated his anxiety linked to his ADHD.
Key Points
- Worker Robert Watson claimed disability discrimination due to his manager’s sighing and non-verbal cues.
- The tribunal ruled that such expressions amounted to unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
- Watson’s ADHD was diagnosed after he raised concerns about his neurodiversity with his manager.
- The judge acknowledged that the manager was under pressure but this did not excuse the discriminatory behaviour.
- Compensation details for Watson are yet to be determined in a later hearing.
Why should I read this?
This case underscores a critical issue in workplace dynamics, particularly regarding neurodiversity. It’s a reminder that non-verbal cues can have significant effects on mental health and workplace relationships, making it essential for employers to provide proper training and support for managers. If you’re in HR or manage teams, this is one article you really won’t want to skip!
