Dyslexic woman wins disability discrimination case against Starbucks

A dyslexic women has won a disability discrimination case against her employer, coffee giant Starbucks.

A tribunal found Meseret Kumulchew had been victimised by her employer, which had no understanding of equality issues, after she was accused of falsifying documents.

Kumulchew had noted down wrong information when taking the temperature of fridges at the Clapham Junction branch of the coffee chain in south-west London, leading to the accusation and causing her employer to ask her to retrain, BBC reported.

The retraining and a demotion in duties left Kumulchew feeling suicidal, and the December 2015 employment tribunal found she had been discriminated against.

A spokesperson for Starbucks said: "Starbucks works hard to ensure all employees, including those with disabilities, are supported at work.

"We have been working with the British Dyslexia Association on improving the support we provide to our employees, and did so concerning Meseret Kumulchew in 2015.

"We recognise however that we need to do more, which is why we are investigating what additional support we can provide. We cannot comment further on this case as the matter has not concluded."

There is expected to be a future hearing at which compensation will be discussed.

The British Dyslexia Association, although unable to comment on individual legal cases, said in a statement: "All organisations must make reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities, including dyslexia, under the Equality Act 2010.

"They should have appropriate policies in place and make sure there are measures to avoid discrimination, including in the recruitment process, the work environment and colleague reactions.

"Employers must make reasonable adjustments which can include ensuring appropriate training for staff about dyslexia awareness, providing an environment where those who are or think they may be dyslexic feel able to discuss their difficulties and strengths with managers and get appropriate support, eg equipment, strategy training, awareness training."

It added that as all individuals were different, it was important to establish such a dialogue so that dyslexic workers' needs were met.

"Sadly our National Helpline (0333 405 4567) receives numerous calls from adults who are facing serious problems and discrimination in the workplace," the statement added.

"Many have found themselves very emotional, stressed, anxious and feeling as if they have nowhere else to turn.

"These feelings, which with the right support and awareness could easily be avoided, can lead to time off work and loss of productivity. People with Dyslexia can bring unique skills to an employer and they should be valued as part of a team with mixed skills and strengths."