Wetherspoons worker investigated over staff discount on family meal gets payout

"Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum."

"Brandon Halstead, a kitchen associate at The Albany Place in Trowbridge, was investigated by his bosses and called to a gross misconduct hearing after he used his staff discount to pay for a meal for seven people, including himself, without realising that the pub chain's policy only applied to parties of four or less. Mr Halstead, who is autistic, had to take sick leave due to anxiety after the reprimand and said the situation left him in intense distress, feeling persecuted and let down."

"After his mother complained he had faced appalling treatment with no adjustment made for his condition, Mr Halstead took his bosses to an employment tribunal. The tribunal found that Wetherspoons failed to make reasonable adjustments for Mr Halstead's disability throughout its investigation. A further claim of disability-related harassment by Mr Halstead was dismissed."

Brandon Halstead, a kitchen associate at The Albany Place in Trowbridge, was reprimanded and investigated after using his staff discount to pay for a meal for seven people. The pub chain's policy applied only to parties of four or fewer, and Halstead was called to a gross misconduct hearing. Halstead, who is autistic, took sick leave with anxiety and said the treatment left him in intense distress. After his mother complained about appalling treatment and lack of adjustments, Halstead brought claims to an employment tribunal. The tribunal found Wetherspoons failed to make reasonable adjustments for his disability and awarded him more than £25,000; a claim of disability-related harassment was dismissed.

Read at www.independent.co.uk