Nut allergy amounted to disability

In Wheeldon v Marstons plc, an employment tribunal initially

In Wheeldon v Marstons plc, an employment tribunal initially had to decide whether a chef’s medical condition, a nut allergy rendering him vulnerable to an allergic reaction to nuts, or traces of nuts, is a disability under the Equality Act 2010. The medical evidence showed, among other things that: (i) Wheeldon’s blood-test results confirmed a nut allergy; (ii) an allergic reaction can be life threatening and he has to “rule his life” by this risk, including observing a number of nut avoidance measures; and (iii) he carries adrenaline injectors at all times for immediate use when he comes into contact with nuts. The tribunal found that the allergy amounted to an impairment, and that the effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities was long-term and substantial (i.e. more than minor or trivial) since he had been admitted to hospital on seven occasions for suspected anaphylactic shock, his allergic reaction could be life threatening and he had to adapt his life accordingly. Therefore, Wheeldon does have a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and his discrimination claim could proceed.

Read more

Latest News

Read More

The shift to personalization in employee benefits

4 April 2025

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

Vertex Associates are excited to be partnering with an international Insurance business in their search for 2 HR Assistants – one is permanent and one

Head of Human Resources Our client are looking for a talented Head of Human Resources to join their team and help millions of separated children

Queen Mary University of London – HRSalary: £39,463 to £45,974 per annum. This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment

All about the role and company I would be working for: HR Coordinator / Administrator Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days in office) Are you

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE