Victory for wheelchair user denied chance to return to work
A woman whose bosses refused to allow her to return to work after she suffered a serious accident have been forced to pay her almost £19,000 compensation.
After 18 months rehabilitation, she was told by her employers, the Social Security Agency, that they were retiring her on medical grounds.
They claimed the mother-of-two could not do her job exactly as she did before the accident.
But Mrs Austin wanted to return to work and, with the help of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, successfully sued the agency.
They admitted liability, paying her £18,940 in an out-of-court settlement, and also agreed to allow her to go back to work.
The cash represents compensation for the distress, upset and injury to Mrs Austin's feelings.
The agency also agreed to make physical adjustments to its premises to aid Mrs Austin's employment and fully restored her pay, annual leave and pension arrangements.
She has now been able to return to work at the agency's offices at Royal Avenue in Belfast.
"I really appreciate the great support I have had from my immediate colleagues, and the assistance I received from the Equality Commission," Mrs Austin said.
"It has been a difficult and stressful time but I am really happy to be back at work.
"I am particularly pleased that this case has highlighted, and hopefully will improve the proper steps to be taken towards accommodating disabled people in the workplace."
