Overview

• On August 9, 2023, junior chef Abbie Garner launched a profanity-laden tirade at Thorpe Hall Hotel and Spa’s reception following a personal dispute with a colleague.
• Employment Judge C Lewis determined that Garner’s anxiety, depression and related conditions impaired her anger control and qualified as disabilities under the Equality Act.
• The tribunal found the hotel failed to make reasonable adjustments by not seeking medical evidence before dismissing her, noting this could have changed the outcome.
• Garner was awarded £13,455.91 in total, including £11,000 to compensate for the injury to her feelings resulting from discrimination.
• The case underscores employers’ legal duty to account for employees’ mental health in disciplinary actions or risk financial penalties and reputational damage.