'Violates dignity' | Calling a colleague a 'weirdo' is discrimination, tribunal rules

An employment tribunal has ruled that calling an autistic employee a “weirdo” in a workplace meeting was a discriminatory act that violated his dignity and contributed to an unlawful pattern of disability discrimination and harassment.

Mr Nicholas James, who was employed by The Venture (Wrexham) Ltd, a children’s play charity, won multiple claims of disability discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and unauthorised deductions from wages. 

He was awarded over £17,000 in compensation after the tribunal found that his employer failed to make reasonable adjustments for his sensory needs, including inappropriately using the term “weirdo” in a staff meeting.

Disability-related harassment and discrimination

James, who has Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and anxiety, worked in both the charity’s Inclusion Project and its Open Access Playworker role. The tribunal heard that while his employer had initially agreed to reasonable adjustments, such as limiting background music and using softer lighting, these were not consistently implemented.