Robert Watson, a software engineer from the United Kingdom, has really dug his heels in against his former employer, Roke Manor Research. So he was able to win his case for disability discrimination. Watson struggled especially in his workplace because of his ADHD. These barriers to progress eventually resulted in his termination in January 2024.
Watson started his new role at Roke Manor Research in August 2020. Throughout this period, he was often challenged by the demands of time-keeping and focus, problems that arose from his undiagnosed ADHD. He got his diagnosis in November 2022 and began taking medication to better manage his symptoms. That said, getting used to the treatment was a challenge and he ended up having to take four sick days shortly after starting the new medication.
Even with an evident plan for self-improvement, the resulting performance put Watson in hot water with his manager, DT. Over the next weeks, DT became more exasperated with Watson’s displacement rate. He was particularly worried about the hours Watson was spending and his time at the project desk. A tribunal outline of testimony shows that Watson alleges DT challenged his work hours and habits. He conveyed his frustration with nonverbal cues, like audible sighs and over-the-top heavy breathing.
In February of 2023, Watson had a work-related stress-related episode and never returned to work at the company. After this, he filed a disability discrimination claim in May 2023. The tribunal found that Watson’s difficulties were linked to his disability and that DT’s expressions of frustration were related to Watson’s challenges with time management and focus.
Catherine Rayner, the tribunal chair, ruled that the outbursts of anger were due to Watson’s disability. This involved things such as the way he kept time, his working habits, and the amount of time he spent away from his project desk.
The tribunal’s last ruling, issued in July 2022, was a major victory for Watson. They understood the impact of ADHD on his job performance and found DT’s criticism uncalled for. That’s why while perhaps a surprising ruling, the decision is still praise-worthy given the growing recognition of the need for workplace accommodations for those with disabilities.