The number of disability discrimination claims at Employment Tribunals has risen by 37%, from 4,770 in 2017 to 6,550 in 2018. The growth in claims is eight times faster than any other claim.
Research carried out by Fox & Partners has indicated that it is considered that stress-induced mental health issues are central to this phenomenon, alongside a growing readiness of employees to bring claims which relate to their mental health.
The Stevenson Farmer Review of mental health and employers made 40 recommendations which the government has pledged to commit to. Improved support for workers is needed to tackle the rise.
The head of workplace wellbeing at Mind, emphasised the duty of employers under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees. However, she acknowledged the need for employees suffering from a disability to inform their employers of this, something that does not always happen owing to employees fearing the stigma associated with mental health issues.