Disabled security guard gets £10,000 compensation

A disabled security guard has won £10,000 in compensation for injury to feelings and for loss of his job from his former employer Securicor ADI.

Robert Bedakio had worked as a security guard at Heathrow Airport for 10 years when complications following surgery in 1999 left his eyes hyper sensitive to wind and bright light. Without taking medical advice Securicor ADI transferred him to an outdoor cargo area of the airport, lit by harsh artificial lighting and blasted by winds from passing aircraft. This combination caused Bedakio considerable discomfort and eventually resulted in him being unable to work.

The company refused to let Bedakio return to his original duties, so he contacted the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), who provided him with legal support in taking an employment tribunal case. Securicor ADI was found guilty of discrimination on account of Bedakio's new disability.

DRC chair Bert Massie, said: "We are obviously delighted with Robert's win. Unfortunately, his story is not unusual and we are dedicated to exposing employers who discriminate against disabled staff. Thousands of people become disabled in their job each year. Employers must be aware that if a staff member becomes disabled, it doesn't necessarily mean he or she can no longer do their job."