Overview
- The employment tribunal ruled that JD Wetherspoon put kitchen porter Brandon Halstead at a substantial disadvantage by applying its standard disciplinary procedures without adjustments for his autism.
- The award totals £25,412, comprising £3,520 for financial loss, £18,500 for injury to feelings, and £3,392 in interest.
- The case arose after Halstead used a 20% staff discount on a family meal for seven, saving £19.17, breaching a policy that limits the discount to groups of four.
- Managers pursued a gross misconduct hearing alleging dishonesty and a data policy breach after he disclosed his mother accessed his rota app to help with transport and planning.
- The process caused significant stress leading to sick leave, the harassment claim was dismissed, a requested goodwill payment was declined, and the company offered limited or no public comment.