The Lawdown Episode 46: Autistic Children’s Centre Worker Subjected to Derogatory Comments by Manager, and Employment Tribunal Rules that Sighing at a Colleague Could be Deemed Discriminatory

In our latest episode of The Lawdown, Senior Associate Yulia Fedorenko and Partners Emma Bartlett and Beth Hale discuss the following:

1. An autistic worker at a children’s centre who was subject to derogatory comments by his boss in Wrexham, Wales. We discuss the nuances of protected characteristics, and the use of certain terminology and language in the workplace. 
    
2. The employment tribunal ruling that nonverbal expressions of disappointment – such as sighing at colleagues – can be considered discriminatory and highlights the importance of self-awareness in the workplace. This follows a successful disability discrimination case, brought by a software engineer with ADHD, against Roke Manor Research. The case emphasises the need for all employees to be mindful of their mannerisms in the workplace and for employers to promote respectful communication, while keeping reasonable adjustments in mind in order to support neurodiverse colleagues.