British man with Asperger's receives £78,000 in compensation after being subjected to bullying in the workplace

From The HR Director:

Andrew Beck, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome and learning difficulties, has been awarded £78,000 in compensation, after an employment tribunal found that he had been subjected to bullying and intimidation over a number of years because of his disability.

Andrew Beck, who has Asperger's Syndrome and learning difficulties, had been employed at the Davyhulme Park Golf Club since1986. He had enjoyed his work as a green keeper up until the appointment of a new head green keeper (HGP). From that point on, an employment tribunal found that Mr Beck had been subjected to bullying and intimidation over a number of years by the HGP.

Mr Beck was told to wear highly visible clothing, including a red hat, to distinguish him from other staff and to alert golfers to his presence. He was also made to carry heavy equipment in a wheelbarrow after being banned from using a motorised vehicle, meaning that his duties involved an unfair amount of heavy work, often without breaks of lighter work, in contrast to other green keepers.

One Christmas, when staff were each given a present, Mr Beck said he was humiliated by being given a Star Wars game which he felt was suitable for a child. On another occasion Mr Beck told the tribunal that the HGP approached him from behind and violently knocked a rake out of his hands. He then pushed him out of the way, using bad language.

Mr Beck resigned because of continuing pressure and its effect on his health. The tribunal found that Mr Beck had been subjected to acts of bullying and intimidation over the course of several years. The tribunal upheld his claims for constructive dismissal and disability discrimination and awarded him £78,000 in compensation, which included £25,000 for injury to feelings and £5,000 for aggravated damages.