A person wanted two days off work for an intensive stammering course.
The employer was initially only willing for one of the days to be paid leave. The employee’s claim for the second day to be paid leave also was refused at the first stage of the employer’s internal grievance procedure. However, it was allowed by the panel at the second stage.
The employee’s argument was that as part of his job description included using verbal communication skills it would be a reasonable adjustment under the DDA for him to have paid time off.
(Incidentally, the employer had agreed to pay half the cost of the course and the union was paying the other half.)
Comment
This is not a court decision and does not set a precedent. However, it is an example of using an employer’s internal procedure to settle a dispute without going to a tribunal.
