Paula McKeown v Inspire Disability Services Ltd [2017]

The respondent was a limited company providing care and support, including residential services, to vulnerable adults. It was uncontested that a particularly challenging patient with severe learning disabilities had moved to the home and the claimant gave evidence that she felt concerned at working night shifts alone with the patient after he had made numerous comments relating to inappropriate sexual behaviour. Further, she felt that her own safety and the safety of others was not being taken seriously and that her concerns were ignored by senior staff. The dismissal related to a comment the claimant had made about being in possession of a rolling pin in the home, ostensibly for protection