WH SMITH AND THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT

Early day motion 477, tabled 8 January 2003 by Huw Edwards (Labour). Signed by 72 members.

That this House deplores the decision by WH Smith in Monmouth to dismiss Karen Godfrey who has a learning disability; notes that she was dismissed for insurance reasons without any written notification; notes that she had worked for WH Smith as a shop assistant for over five years every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm but received no remuneration except a ú5 WH Smith gift voucher each week; believes such a system of reward is reminiscent of the company shop system outlawed in the Truck Act 1831; calls on the Disability Rights Commission to investigate this case; and calls on all employers to recognise their duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to take reasonable measures to meet the needs of disabled employees.

Signatures by party: Labour 51, Labour/Co-operative 6, Liberal Democrat 5, Scottish National Party 3, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Conservative 1.