Weak Working Memory In Adults- Unfair Dismissal?

[Scarlett]

A good friend of mine (who I always thought was dyslexic) has been diagnosed as having a weak working memory. This explains everything! however, he doesn't yet have the full £350 screening, just an initial diagnosis. He has just lost a job he loved (failed his probation) as the boss was not confident leaving him in charge of a new complicated till. Other aspects of the job (tour guide) he was fantastic at. He is really upset because it was the first job he has had which he loved and was good at. I feel that the company should have been more sympathetic, as I did email the boss and mention his dyslexia and related disorganisation. My question is this: does a place of employment have to help a person with a disability or difficulty? I know at universty they bend over backwards to help people with disabilities achieve their best. It seems so unfair that my friend has lost out, through something he was trying his best at, the bulk of which he was really good at. Also he was only on a zero hours contract and still on 6 month probation, so I know he has no legal leg to stand on.

[Scarlett]

It has affected his spelling, writing and numeracy too. It's really not the same as being a bit forgetful.

[ummmm]

What's his coordination like?

[Maydup]

There's an organisation that helps disabled people in the workplace. You could talk to them and they will support him with whatever he needs to keep his job, including the communication with the employer. Have a look here and maybe an online chat with one of them.

http://remploy.co.uk

[naomi24]

Why do you feel the company should have been more sympathetic? Companies aren't charities. They pay people to do a job. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but that's reality.

[bednobs]

if Weak Working Memory is officially recognised as a disability, then the disability discrimination act willl apply, and the employer should try to make reasonable adjustments to enable the person to work. However it is difficult to see what reasonable adjustments could be made in this case, as nothing is going to make it easier for your friend to undertake the job. In addition, it doesnt sould like he's been there all that long, so will probably be able to be dismissed as it "not working out" quite legally

[woofgang]

I am interested that he has to pay for a full screening.......did he see a private doctor or has this diagnosis come from a non qualified source?

[Scarlett]

Coordination not too bad, not a great dancer though. He got a grant to pay for an initial assessment at a dyslexia centre in my town. Should he see his Doctor to get an NHS assessment?

[woofgang]

He does need to have a solid diagnosis of a “genuine” problem. Where did he get the grant from and is the centre a recognised accredited place? The issue of the workplace being helpful is a bit grey....as he’s in probation they have to do less but they don’t have to keep him in a job he’s not suitable for. They do have to do what they can for employees but not at the expense of the business.