'Left behind' | M&S worker's sacking after shift change row proves need for flexible policies

M&S has found itself at a £15,000 loss after an employment tribunal ruled bosses had discriminated against a worker who was sacked while off sick.

Donna Gallagher, who had worked at the company for 23 years, was asked to change her hours and work weekends in 2019, but a judge heard she was unable to because she was a carer for her disabled mother.

Mrs Gallagher had worked at the company across several branches in the Liverpool area since 1997. In May 2019, Mrs Gallagher was told her contract was changing, but no final agreement could be reached over the changes despite several discussions with bosses.

Six months of discussions about her work patterns followed, during which she was signed off work due to her poor mental health, including an inability to even get out of bed on some days due to anxiety and depression, the panel heard. She would remain on sick leave for the remainder of her employment at M&S.