Andrew Beck, 44, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and learning difficulties abused on the job
Human rights for disabled supported by tribunal
Don Frame, June 17, 2009, Manchester Evening News
A GOLF club green keeper who was told to wear a red cap because of his autism has won a bullying claim at an employment tribunal.
Andrew Beck, 44, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and learning difficulties, was also made to cart heavy equipment in a wheelbarrow after being banned from using a motorised vehicle at the Davyhulme Park club, in Manchester.
He told a Manchester tribunal that his duties involved an unfair amount of heavy work, often without breaks of lighter work, in contrast to other green keepers.
He was told to wear highly visible clothing and red cap to distinguish him from other staff and to alert golfers to his presence.
Mr Beck, from Belgrave Avenue, Flixton, joined the club in 1986 and had been happy there until the appointment of a new head green keeper, Nick Marner, in 1999.
In 2007 Mr Beck resigned because of continuing pressure and its effect on his health.
The tribunal upheld claims for constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.
It will announce a compensation award, which is expected to run into five figures, next month.
Mr Marner had given Mr Beck a verbal warning because of alleged numerous instances of failing to carry out tasks.
Before Mr Marner’s appointment, there had been no problems with any of his work.
On one occasion Mr Marner was said to have approached Mr Beck from behind and violently knocked a rake out of his hands. He then pushed him out of the way, using bad language.
On another occasion Mr Marner accused Mr Beck of not pulling his weight and used a stream of obscenities.
One Christmas, when staff were each given a present, Mr Beck said he was subjected to a cheap joke by being given a Star Wars game which he felt was suitable for a child.
The panel had been told that an individual suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome, may have difficulties interpreting emotions and may not have realised things had gone wrong.
The tribunal was satisfied that Mr Marner – who was later sent on a man-management course – subjected Mr Beck to acts of bullying and intimidation over the course of several years.
The panel said nobody communicated with Mr Beck in any meaningful way and he had no-one to talk about his worries and anxieties.
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