Should a phobia in the workplace be classed as a disability?

[Admin]

Below is a link to a very interesting news story about an NHS worker with a phobia of needles and blood who had his condition classified as a disability by his employers. The employee recently took the NHS to an employment tribunal questioning why is role was not adjusted to reflect a disability.

http://www.personneltoday.com/hr/disability-nhs-workers-claim-blood-phobia-rejected/

What do you think about how phobias are treated in the workplace?

 

[Andy]

In this case, I find myself wondering how much the NHS offered this guy by way of diagnosis and therapy.

 

[Beattheblues]

It does seem a little bizarre that somebody took up a job involving blood and needles when they had a phobia to these things?

 

[Mark]

If a phobia actually stops somebody from doing their job then perhaps there is an argument for describing this as a disability? However, the problem then is where do you stop?

 

[Beattheblues]

Where do we draw the line between an employer helping an employee and somebody who is clearly not suited to a particular role which could see them facing their phobias on a regular basis? Classing phobias as a disability is also a very dangerous precedent.

 

[Admin]

Interesting feedback, the general consensus so far seems to be that phobias in the workplace should not be treated as a disability. Please keep your views coming.

 

[Beattheblues]

Have any more phobia related cases come to court?

 

[Admin]

Not seen any headline grabbing cases for a while but they will be back! Opinion seems to be divided no this one.

 

[Helprequired]

Why would someone apply for a job if they knew they had a phobia of something to do with the job? Don't understand....