Settlement for disabled pub cleaner in Whitbread case

A disabled pub cleaner has been paid a £9,500 settlement by Whitbread after claiming discrimination.

Arthritis-sufferer Shelia Prytherch of Derby accepted an out-of-court offer made by Whitbread Restaurants after she walked out of her cleaning job at a Brewer's Fayre and launched a legal action under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Two Brewer's Fayre managers have been disciplined as a result of the incident, and a disability awareness training programme has been implemented across all Whitbread Restaurants on legal advice.

Ms Prytherch had requested flexible working hours as a result of her chronic arthritis, which sometimes limited her mobility. She also claimed she was subject to inappropriate behaviour from her managers in relation to her disability.

Alison Clarke, human resources director for Whitbread Restaurants, said: "We will absolutely not tolerate discriminatory and abusive behaviour from any of our managers and team members. Disability awareness training is a business priority for us and we are ensuring our teams understand the major issues surrounding employing and serving people with disabilities."

Ms Prytherch said: "I am really pleased that Whitbread is taking such positive action after my difficult experiences."