The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (11 April 2008) issued legal proceedings under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Cap. 487 in the District Court, on behalf of a container tractor driver who was dismissed on the ground of his disability. The Plaintiff suffered from cancer and his employer dismissed him while he was on recommended sick leave.

The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case because it involves an important principle of disability discrimination against employees in need of long-term sick leave. By taking this case to court, the EOC hopes the court’s decision will provide a precedent for employers in relation to the management of sick leave in the workplace.

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