9th May 2008

 

A woman in County Antrim who was told she was not allowed to return to work after being left disabled following an accident has been awarded compensation and her right to return to her job.

 

The woman in question is Alison Austin from Whitehead who suffered spinal injuries in an accident in 2005 leaving her needing 18 months of rehabilitation. The accident left Ms Austin in a wheelchair, but in 2008 she felt ready to return to work. The Social Security Agency where she worked however told her that she was being retired on medical grounds. 

 

Ms Austin applied for compensation and won, forcing the agency to admit liability and pay £18,940 which they did in an out of court settlement. The agency also agreed to reinstate Ms Austin into her previous role and make physical alterations to the workplace in order to accommodate her wheelchair. 

 

Ms Austin was pleased to be able to return to her job at the agency’s offices at Royal Avenue in Belfast.