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)