Wheatstone v Blakeney News Food and Wine Ltd & Others [2020]

The claimant was employed as a shop assistant in what was described as a village shop.   The claimant suffered from epilepsy and it was conceded that this was a disability in line with the Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland).  In terms of the disability, it was clear from the evidence that it had very little effect on the day-to-day activities that were carried out by the claimant except that she did not climb to the higher shelves nor did she change light bulbs.

The issue that led to the case arose on 19^th July 2017 when she had an argument with her manager.  She was subsequently told to resign the next day or be dismissed.