Ex-chip shop worker with autism awarded £8k in disability case

Business failed to inform employee of his dismissal

A FORMER Co Down chip shop worker with autism has settled his disability discrimination case for £8,000 after a fast food outlet failed to inform him of his dismissal.

Oisín Mckerr took out a discrimination case against Mak’s Plaice in Magheralin.

The case, which was supported by the Equality Commission for NI, was settled without admission of liability and the chip shop said it regrets any injury to feelings, distress or upset caused.

Oisín was a school pupil when he applied for the part-time job at the takeaway shop. It was his first job.

He said he declared that he lives with autism on his application form and that he was delighted to be offered the job.

“I was really pleased to get the job in the chip shop. I thought I was doing well. I didn’t know there were any problems, nobody told me,” he said.

In January 2023, a few months after starting, Oisín was told it was a quiet time for the shop, and he might get more hours in March.

The next week, Oisín received a text message to pick up his final pay cheque and return his uniform.

“I didn’t know I had been dismissed. I was really upset when I realised I wouldn’t be working there anymore and saw they were recruiting new people.

“I wish they had spoken to me and explained it. I would have listened; I would have done as they asked. I wasn’t given the chance to explain my autism and to improve.

“I’m glad this is all over now and I’ve found a new job where I do feel supported and valued.”

Mary Kitson, senior legal officer for the Equality Commission, said Oisín was protected under the Disability Discrimination Act.

“Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers to the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities,” she said.

“Oisín says that his employer did not talk to him about his autism or raise any issues about his performance. Nor did they inform him that he was being dismissed.

“Oisín deserved to be treated with dignity and respect at all stages of his employment.

“Oisín’s employer should have identified support measures to try and address any issues of performance at work and discussed these with him.

“Good support from any employer is key to successful employment for a person with autism and effective communication is central to this support. If this approach had been taken, Oisín may have had the opportunity to keep his job.”

Mak’s Plaice also affirmed its commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity in employment and agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to review its equal opportunities policies, procedures and practices.

When the Belfast Telegraph contacted Mak’s Plaice for a further comment, a manager did not make any further comment and hung up the phone.