Pay-off for blind victim of pranks.
A BLIND bank worker who claims he was driven out of his job by bullies has been given a pay-off of more than than pounds 20,000.Paul Brookes, once used as an example of Barclays' commitment to disabled staff, accepted a pay-off after he threatened to go to an employment tribunal, claiming constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.
Barclays chiefs, who previously vowed to "vigorously defend" the action, said they admitted no liability.
Mr Brookes claimed he endured four years of pranks and harassment. He said that:
Typing correction fluid was dropped on his hair on three separate days.
His leaving card from one branch was signed "sod off" by all the staff.
A colleague was heard to say about his wife: "If he could see her, he wouldn't have married her."
He was given four weeks to memorise 500 names and phone extensions, then reprimanded for making mistakes.
He was told off for being too familiar - then for being too cold and monotonous.
Blind since birth, Mr Brookes, 47, of Redditch, Worcestershire, worked for the local Barclays for 17 years.
He was asked to move to Birmingham, despite difficulty getting there with his guide dog, and felt he was constantly criticised. He resigned on ill health grounds.
Last night his wife Kate, 37, said: "If he had carried on at Barclays, the stress could have killed him. Paul was treated appallingly.
"He had panic attacks, trembled when the phone rang and developed migraine."
Barclays said: "We are confident our staff acted properly and reiterate our commit
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| Publication: | Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) |
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| Date: | Sep 10, 2001 |
| Words: | 257 |
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