GMB London Region slams Asda for the dismissal of loyal employee who has learning difficulties
ASDA used to be a well-respected company where colleagues were proud to wear the ASDA badge. This has changed and the change is not one for the better, says GMB London
ASDA used to be a well-respected company where colleagues were proud to wear the ASDA badge. This has changed and the change is not one for the better, says GMB London
GMB Union the trade union for ASDA workers have seen a rapid decline in the way in which ASDA colleagues are treated.
There is no consideration for a colleague’s learning disabilities, mental health, disability, or ability to read and write.
Disability discrimination appears to be rife within ASDA.
This follows ASDA’s decision to dismiss a colleague of 30 years from the business for one occasion of smoking within an ASDA car park.
The Ex-ASDA Colleague, Mark Misell, had worked for ASDA, in Shoeburyness, for 30 years and throughout his time have never fallen foul of any ASDA rules.
Mark suffers from learning difficulties and is not able to read or write. As such there was no way in which he was able to read any of ASDA’s policies.
Mark, who worked as a porter within the car park at the store, was proud to go to work so that he could assist customers.
On the day in question, Mark chose to have a cigarette within the car park so that he did not have to stop his work and walk to the designated smoking shelter.
Throughout the farcical disciplinary process, ASDA’s management incorrectly claimed that the allegation was a breach of the law and that Mark’s learning difficulties and inability to read and write had no bearing upon the matter.
Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser states:
“This is another example of ASDA’s discrimination against those working for the business who have disabilities.
“There was no attempt to take into consideration Mark’s mental health
“ASDA appear to be operating a revolving door scenario where those with disabilities are pushed out of the business to be replaced by non-disabled colleagues.
“Gone are the days when ASDA would respect their workforce and support those with disabilities.
“It is becoming common practice for colleagues with disabilities to be challenged upon their work rate, work speed or matters to which they have no control.
“ASDA must adhere to the Equality Act 2010 and start to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities.
“ASDA, who have previously signed up for the government’s Disability Confident scheme which makes the most of the opportunity by employing disabled people should be ashamed of their actions.
“Since Mark’s dismissal customers from ASDA have contacted GMB London Region to air their thoughts upon the way in which ASDA have treated Mark.
“GMB London Region have passed this matter onto our legal teams to bring to an employment tribunal so that justice can be achieved for Mark.
“ASDA need to change their ways and reconsider the decision made. It’s time to do the right thing for Mark and all those like Mark.
Ends
Contact: Keith Dixon 07703 469403 or GMB London Press Office 0797001643
