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The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in a Disability Discrimination Case

12/05/2020

 

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (12 May 2020) issued legal proceedings under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), Cap. 487 in the District Court, on behalf of a person (the Claimant) who previously worked for a company (the Respondent) as an Accounting and Administrative Officer. The Claimant claimed that the Respondent discriminated against her by terminating her employment on the ground of her disability (i.e. her left olecranon fracture and related sick leave).

The Claimant had taken sick leave for a certain period of time. On the day when she resumed duty after sick leave, she was dismissed by the Respondent.

The DDO protects persons with disability against discrimination, harassment and vilification. Under the DDO, it is unlawful for an employer to dismiss an employee on the ground of the employee’s disability (which includes sickness).

The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case as discrimination against people with disabilities (particularly in the employment field) remains commonplace in Hong Kong. By taking this case to Court, the EOC hopes to send a strong message to employers that disability discrimination in the workplace is unacceptable and will be dealt with seriously by the EOC.


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Equal Opportunities Commission
12 May 2020

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