The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (21 July 2009) issued legal proceedings under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Cap. 487 in the District Court, on behalf of a cleaner who was dismissed on the ground of her disability. The Plaintiff had heart disease and received a surgical operation. Her employer dismissed her while she 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 sick leave. By taking this case to court, the EOC hopes to remind employers that it is unlawful to dismiss an employee on the ground of taking sick leave without providing reasonable accommodation.

 

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Mariana LAW at 2106-2226.

 

 

Equal Opportunities Commission

22 July 2009