A quarter of stroke survivors are of working age.
Cliff Donaldson is one of them. After two strokes in January 2023, that had affected his speech and mobility, Cliff had to cut his work hours and take home a reduced salary.
Following this, his employer at the time, Fraser Partners Ltd hired a new, younger site manager, and informed Cliff that his employment with the company would come to an end in September 2023.
He had worked with Fraser Partners Ltd since 1986.
Cliff said, ânever in a million yearsâ did he expect to be told in a regular weekly meeting that his employment was coming to an end.
âIt was such a shock to me that after 40 years of association with the company that I was let go.â
Cliff said he was extremely disappointed, and his mental health suffered âtremendouslyâ.
âI didnât know if I had a future.â
âWhen you have a stroke, it changes your life, you wonder: âHow am I going to look after my family?â
âYou have no income, you donât have a job. You wonder where the next step is coming from.â
âI have so much to give still. Iâm in counselling at the moment and my physical condition has been improved in the last two years,â Cliff added.
âI hope the counselling will help me return to my usual self, but that could take time.â
Cliff was supported in his case by the
@EqualityCommissionForNI .
Geraldine McGahey of the Equality Commission said, âEmployers need to be aware of their obligations, they must fulfil their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.â
âA good employer would tell an employee like Cliff: âThis is what I have to do with you, this is how weâre going to work togetherâ â because they have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to help that employee stay at work.
Cliffâs case was settled for ÂŁ100,000 without admission of liability.
A spokesperson for Fraser Partners Ltd, told the BBC they âstrongly deny the claims made but chose to settle in order to avoid a lengthy legal processâ.
Stroke survivors have a right to work, and should be supported by their employers to make reasonable adjustments.
#Stroke #StrokeSupport #YoungStrokeSurvivor #StrokeSurvivor