BUS DRIVER UNFAIRLY DISMISSED AND UNLAWFULLY DISCRIMINATED AGAINST FOR HAVING TIME OFF WITH DIABETES
A London bus driver has been awarded almost ?57,000 in damages at an employment tribunal following his unfair dismissal and disability discrimination after developing diabetes.
David Hoggett was employed by Abellio London Limited and reported sick after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Mr Hoggett had worked for Abellio as a driver since May 2004 until he was fired on 20 July 2012. He had been off work since March 2012 and was placed on a course of medication to control the diabetes, but after initially returning to work, he suffered a setback with his condition and was once again signed off sick.
However, after meetings with a staff manager, Mr Hoggett was told that he was being dismissed on medical grounds of capability.
The Claimant’s driving licence was never removed or suspended by DVLA and he stated that he was close to a return to work when the decision was taken to terminate his employment.
The former employee sued the company for unfair dismissal and discrimination on the grounds of his disability and successfully won his claim at the Tribunal hearing.
Mr Hoggett was awarded ?10,000 in injury to feelings compensation and two years of his salary, almost ?47,000, bringing the total to ?56,976.55.
