Home / Crime and Justice / Postman Wins £13K After 5 AM Ban
Postman Wins £13K After 5 AM Ban
24 Feb
Summary
- Postman awarded £12,925 for injury to feelings.
- Royal Mail failed to make reasonable adjustments for disability.
- Tribunal ruled a 6 AM start time was a reasonable adjustment.
Darren Williams, a postman with autism and mental health issues, was awarded £12,925 in compensation after a tribunal ruled Royal Mail discriminated against him. Mr. Williams had worked his Eccles route for decades, starting at 5 AM, a routine that aided his anxiety by allowing him to avoid crowds and return home earlier to care for his wife.
Upon returning from sick leave in February 2023, Royal Mail informed him of a schedule change, requiring him to start later, between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM. This decision was challenged by Mr. Williams, who argued the shift change negatively impacted his mental health. The employment judge concluded that Royal Mail failed to make reasonable adjustments for his disability.
The tribunal determined that Royal Mail should have allowed Mr. Williams a transition period back to work with a 5 AM start, gradually moving to 6 AM. While his claim for disability harassment was dismissed, the compensation was awarded for injury to feelings. The judge recommended a start time between 5 AM and 6 AM to accommodate his mental health needs.
