Menu
08/08/2012
Social Development Department Discriminated Against Disabled Staff
The Department for Social Development discriminated against a disabled member of staff, a tribunal decided.
Margaret Mary O’Neill, 31, from Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, was awarded £7,500 for injury of feelings, after bringing a case against the department.
An employment tribunal in Belfast found the DSD operated a transfer policy which gave priority to non-disabled staff over disabled staff.
Ms O'Neill, who suffers from arthritis, was working in Belfast and requested a transfer closer to her County Londonderry home.
But she was never offered a transfer opportunity in any of the three areas of her choice.
The tribunal found that according to the current procedures, people who are surplus to requirements in their existing work location, are given priority over people with disabilities.
Speaking after the tribunal's decision, Ms O'Neill told the BBC: "This has been the most stressful period of my life and has been a very long and drawn-out process.
"I would definitely encourage other people in a similar situation to me to take cases. I now hope my employer will make adjustments and create workplaces more suitable for people with disabilities."
Ms O'Neill said a scheme that allowed her to get a taxi to work would eventually run out and she would then not be able to get from her home to work - so if she did not get a transfer, she would lose her job.
Ms O'Neill's solicitor, Stephen Mearns, of John Ross & Co, Newtownards, said the ruling would have implications for disabled staff throughout Northern Ireland’s civil service.
(NE)
Margaret Mary O’Neill, 31, from Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, was awarded £7,500 for injury of feelings, after bringing a case against the department.
An employment tribunal in Belfast found the DSD operated a transfer policy which gave priority to non-disabled staff over disabled staff.
Ms O'Neill, who suffers from arthritis, was working in Belfast and requested a transfer closer to her County Londonderry home.
But she was never offered a transfer opportunity in any of the three areas of her choice.
The tribunal found that according to the current procedures, people who are surplus to requirements in their existing work location, are given priority over people with disabilities.
Speaking after the tribunal's decision, Ms O'Neill told the BBC: "This has been the most stressful period of my life and has been a very long and drawn-out process.
"I would definitely encourage other people in a similar situation to me to take cases. I now hope my employer will make adjustments and create workplaces more suitable for people with disabilities."
Ms O'Neill said a scheme that allowed her to get a taxi to work would eventually run out and she would then not be able to get from her home to work - so if she did not get a transfer, she would lose her job.
Ms O'Neill's solicitor, Stephen Mearns, of John Ross & Co, Newtownards, said the ruling would have implications for disabled staff throughout Northern Ireland’s civil service.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
