Workplace adjustments | Neurodiverse worker awarded £12k after 'outside the box' remark found to be disability harassment

An events professional has been awarded £12,000 after an employment tribunal found that comments made by her line manager amounted to harassment related to disability.

A London hearing upheld claims brought by Sophie Stone against MA Business Limited, finding that remarks made during a team meeting had the effect of violating her dignity as a neurodiverse person, despite there being no intention to offend.

Mrs Stone, who is dyslexic and neurodivergent, described being left distressed and triggered after her manager told her to “stop being all outside the box” during a discussion about workplace adjustments.

Background to the case

Mrs Stone began working for MA Business Limited in March 2022 as a freelance digital events professional before moving into permanent employment in April 2023. The tribunal heard that the respondent accepted Mrs Stone was disabled for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 by reason of her dyslexia and neurodiversity.