Former employee wins unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claims against London Underground
A former employee of London Underground has won claims of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, and failure to make reasonable adjustments. The tribunal awarded £121,922.59 in compensation.
1 min read · Last updated 18 May 2026
Case details
- #disability-discrimination
- #race-discrimination
- #unfair-dismissal
- #failure-to-make-adjustments
Key facts
- The claimant was employed by London Underground Ltd.
- The claimant brought claims of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, and failure to make reasonable adjustments.
- The tribunal found all three claims well-founded.
- The respondent was ordered to pay £121,922.59 in compensation.
Timeline
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Hearing start
Substantive hearing commenced at London Central Employment Tribunal.
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Liability judgment
Tribunal found unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, and failure to make adjustments claims succeeded.
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Remedy hearing start
Remedy hearing held via Cloud Video Platform.
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Remedy judgment
Tribunal ordered respondent to pay £121,922.59.
The legal issue
The tribunal had to decide whether the employee was unfairly dismissed, whether they were discriminated against because of their disability, and whether the employer failed to make reasonable adjustments.
The outcome
The tribunal found all three claims well-founded.
- Unfair dismissal: The dismissal was procedurally and substantively unfair.
- Disability discrimination: The employee was treated unfavourably because of something arising from their disability.
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments: The employer did not take reasonable steps to remove the disadvantage caused by the disability.
Compensation awarded:
- Basic award: £14,560.50
- Loss of statutory rights: £500
- Loss of earnings to date: £27,558.44
- Future loss of earnings: £18,591.85
- Pension loss: £23,261.26
- Loss of death benefits: £248.40
- Injury to feelings: £10,000
- Interest: £2,871.75
- Grossing-up: £24,330.40
- Total: £121,922.59
Lessons & takeaways
- Employers must take reasonable steps to adjust working conditions or practices to avoid putting disabled employees at a substantial disadvantage.
- Dismissing an employee without properly considering reasonable adjustments can lead to findings of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.
- Compensation for discrimination claims can include injury to feelings and pension loss, which can significantly increase the total award.
What this case shows in practice
This case highlights the importance of employers properly supporting disabled employees. The former employee, who had a disability, was dismissed by London Underground Ltd after the employer failed to make reasonable adjustments. The tribunal found that the dismissal was unfair and that the employee had been discriminated against because of their disability.
What the losing side could have done differently
London Underground could have avoided this outcome by engaging with the employee's needs and considering adjustments such as modified duties, flexible working, or additional support. Instead, the employer proceeded with a dismissal that the tribunal found to be both procedurally and substantively unfair.
Why the result matters for similar claims
This case serves as a reminder that employers must take their duty to make reasonable adjustments seriously. The substantial compensation award – over £121,000 – reflects the serious consequences of failing to do so. Employees who believe they have been unfairly dismissed or discriminated against due to a disability should seek legal advice promptly, as claims must be brought within strict time limits.
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