A prison officer forced out of his job due to his epilepsy has secured a staggering £440,000 compensation payout in a landmark disability discrimination case.
The officer, who has served for over a decade, was dismissed from HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire after managers expressed unfounded fears that an epileptic seizure could cause him to drop his keys, potentially allowing inmates to snatch them.
A Decade of Service Dismissed Over Unfounded Fears
The tribunal heard compelling evidence that the officer had an exemplary record and his condition was well-managed with medication. Despite this, prison management argued his presence on the landings posed an 'unacceptable risk'.
This decision was branded as 'grossly discriminatory' by the tribunal, which found the prison service had made no reasonable attempt to assess the actual risk or explore alternative roles, choosing dismissal instead.
Tribunal Delivers Scathing Verdict
The employment tribunal delivered a damning verdict against the Ministry of Justice, ruling that the officer was a victim of direct discrimination and a failure to make reasonable adjustments, as mandated by the Equality Act 2010.
The judgment highlighted that the officer's condition was stable and that the perceived risk was based on prejudice rather than fact. The £440,000 award is one of the largest of its kind, covering lost earnings, pension contributions, and injury to feelings.
Broader Implications for Disability Employment
This case sends a powerful message to employers across the UK, particularly in high-security environments, about their legal and moral duty to support employees with disabilities.
It underscores that dismissal based on hypothetical fears, rather than an individual's capabilities or medical evidence, is unlawful discrimination. The ruling is expected to be studied by HR departments and legal teams nationwide.
