Haldane Fisher sales rep settles disability discrimination case

He was offered the position of area merchant sales representative for the Republic of Ireland in October 2019.

In May 2021, following the Covid-19 pandemic, Haldane Fisher said it wanted all external sales representatives to be back out on the road.

Due to ongoing restrictions in the Republic of Ireland and his vulnerable person status, Mr Graham had planned to resume in-person meetings at the end of that month.

Over the following months, Haldane Fisher held two sets of meetings with him, which included an investigation into not being out on the road, but no disciplinary action was taken.

This left Mr Graham feeling distressed and he then took a period of sick leave.

He later returned to work and was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease, which affected his hearing.

Mr Graham said he asked for a reasonable adjustment to his working pattern and required two days working from home.

He said this was declined and in 2022 he had no option but to resign due to the impact the amount of time spent on the road was having on his health.

In a statement, Haldane Fisher said it considered itself to be an equal opportunities employer and denied the allegations made in the case.