MP case worker's tribunal case dismissed

5 April 2019, 14:08 | Updated: 5 April 2019, 14:10

A worker who claimed Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya (pictured) had discriminated against her on the grounds of her disabilities has had her case dismissed.

Jan Goodenough, who was a case worker for the Peterborough Labour MP in 2017, suffers from conditions including arthritis, IBS and chronic fatigue syndrome.

She resigned on November 7 of that year.

She claimed during a 3 day employment tribunal at Cambridge County Court that female toilets in the Peterborough office building were too far from her area of work.

Judge Michael Ord said there were no ladies toilets on the first floor, where Ms Onasanya's office is located, but there were ladies toilets on the ground floor and second floor and the building had a lift.

He said the lift was out of action between October 25 and November 2 in 2017 but that this was a matter for the building's landlord.

Ms Goodenough said she was asked to work 9am to 5pm on Mondays and Fridays and that this could adversely affect her health.

The judge said Ms Onasanya's requirements were "reasonable".

He said:

"It's unfortunate that the demands of the role... were beyond the complainant's physical capabilities."

He described Ms Goodenough's efforts to return to employment as "commendable".

Speaking after Friday's ruling, Ms Goodenough said outside court: "I did my best against a top-notch team."

Ms Goodenough, who represented herself at the employment tribunal, said she was on Universal Credit and could not afford a barrister, whereas Ms Onasanya was legally represented.

Ms Onasanya made no comment as she left the hearing.