Compensation for 'unlawfully harassed' disabled employee

14th August 2009

A disabled employee has been awarded compensation after being sent to work in a stockroom because of her prosthetic arm.

Riam Dean, a 22-year-old law student who was born without a forearm, won a case for wrongful dismissal against retailer Abercrombie & Fitch.

She had been sent to work in the stockroom at the Savile Row store after being told that the false limb contravened the firm's 'look policy'.

A central London tribunal ruled that she had been unlawfully harassed as a result of her disability and awarded her more than £9,000 in compensation.

Commenting following the decision, Ms Dean's solicitor Steve Beverley said she had displayed "great courage" in bringing the case.

Earlier this week, the US Equal Opportunity Commission revealed that a disability discrimination case had been settled for $65,000 (£39,367).

CDI Media agreed to the payment after being accused of failing to provide reasonable adjustments when an employee experienced increased severity in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.