2018-02-04
The complainant has bipolar disorder and has been employed as a case worker with the respondent government agency for over ten years. She said she informed the agency of her disability when she started working for the agency. The complainant advised that on one occasion, a client engaged in challenging behaviour and she responded inappropriately by swearing at the client. She said she discussed the incident with her manager and completed an incident report. The complainant claimed that, a couple of months later, the agency directed her to access sick leave pending clearance from her doctor to perform her duties.
The government agency claimed a number of performance issues arose and were discussed with the complainant following the incident referred to in the complaint. The agency said that, in response to the complaint, the agency re-credited the complainant’s sick leave and placed her on paid special leave from the time she was directed to obtain medical clearance until her return to work.
The complaint was resolved and the complainant remained employed with the government agency. In addition to steps already taken by the agency in response to the complaint, a reasonable adjustment plan was developed in consultation with the complainant, her union, line management and human resources.
Year
Discrimination type
Disability Discrimination Act
Grounds
Disability
Areas
Employment
Adjustments provided
Other
Amount