A public sector worker has had his case against his former employer thrown out by an industrial tribunal, after claiming he had been discriminated against due to a series of illnesses.

According to the Cumbria News & Star, Stephen Hewitt attempted to sue Allerdale Borough Council for failing to implement measures to help him with the management of his diabetes, depression and arthritis before he left his job in 2009.

"The judgement confirms the council has appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare and rights of staff," a spokesperson for the local authority commented after the hearing.

Mr Hewitt had said that his working hours and the timing of meetings at the council's office in Workington had disrupted his eating patterns and worsened his diabetes, but employment judge Michael Malone dismissed his suggestions.

Entrepreneurs seeking to avoid potentially damaging tribunal claims could benefit from participating in the Employee Wellbeing Forum 2010, which takes place at London's Smithfield next month.

Posted by Cameron Thomson