Story perspectives

Pilkington Ordered to Pay £329k for Disability Discrimination

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Employment Tribunal ordered Pilkington UK Ltd to pay Alan Jones more than £329,000 after his October 2019 dismissal.
The tribunal found Pilkington dismissed Jones without updated medical evidence, constituting disability discrimination.
Pilkington hired Mike India Five Ltd after a colleague reported Jones wearing work boots on a farm.
Pilkington said it conducted a review to prevent repeat mistakes, noting union and solicitor representatives called the ruling a warning to employers.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act, later folded into the Equality Act 2010, first forced UK employers to make reasonable adjustments; yet only 45 % of working-age disabled people are employed versus 77 % of non-disabled. The 2024 Pilkington UK Ltd tribunal, awarding Alan Jones £329,000, shows the law’s continuing impact and the need to close the employment gap.

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Story summary

The Employment Tribunal ordered Pilkington UK Ltd to pay Alan Jones more than £329,000 after his October 2019 dismissal.
The tribunal found Pilkington dismissed Jones without updated medical evidence, constituting disability discrimination.
Pilkington hired Mike India Five Ltd after a colleague reported Jones wearing work boots on a farm.
Pilkington said it conducted a review to prevent repeat mistakes, noting union and solicitor representatives called the ruling a warning to employers.

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