The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to conduct a review into its practices, as it is revealed that it has been on the losing end of more employment tribunals for Disability Discrimination than any employer in Britain.
According to research by BBC’s Panorama series, the DWP received 134 claims of discrimination against disabled staff and lost seventeen of those cases, which summed up to the most cases both brought in total, as well as the largest quantity lost.
The Freedom of Information request also revealed that between April 2017 to June 2019, the department made 45 out-of-court settlements, totalling £713,000 in costs. Remaining costs were in awards to winners of tribunals.
The Work and Pensions Minister, Justin Tomlinson, stated:
“Fair and respectful treatment is a right and we do not tolerate discrimination in any form within the workplace, including within our workplace. We have instigated a review of our processes and actions to ensure all employees are treated fairly and with respect.”
Mr. Tomlinson continued:
“And I am proud that as a department since 2014 there was 6.8% of our workforce identified as having a disability, we are now at 15.3% – well above the civil service average of 11.7% – as we are keen to be a fully inclusive and diverse workforce to benefit from the full potential.”
How do I determine whether I’m being discriminated against?
If you believe you are being bullied, harassed or discriminated against in the workplace, it’s worth making a log of times, dates and incidents transpired, emails sent etc. There is a list of protected characteristics that constitute harassment if attacks are made against you, and physical ability is one of them.
You can read a more detailed breakdown here in our easy-to-read guide.
Useful Websites/Resources
ACAS – Employment advice and online resource
WHAT TO DO NEXT
For any advice about bullying or harassment in the workplace, get in touch today by choosing one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.
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