Worker awarded £21,000 over 'migraine inducing lights'

A charity worker whose daily migraines were caused by exposure to workplace lighting has been awarded over £21,000 in compensation.

Genevieve Bove claimed said she suffered severe headaches whilst working at the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham, and told her bosses but nothing was done to alleviate her pain.

According to The Daily Post, Ms Bove alleged that meetings were sometimes held in rooms with the irritant fluorescent lighting "on purpose", and that her condition became so severe that she was forced to leave her job.

This month a Tribunal upheld Ms Bove's claim for unfair and constructive dismissal, as well as a claim of disability discrimination. In addition to a basic award of £626, the Association was ordered to pay her £8,000 plus interest for injury to feelings, and compensation of £12,072, making a total of £21,177.

"We were all saddened by the fact that our award for compensation will badly hit an organisation that works to assist voluntary organisations and carers within the local community," said the judge.

"Nonetheless, its ability to pay is not a relevant factor. We do not award larger sums against bigger organisations just because they have deeper pockets and we should not award smaller sums against smaller organisations just because they have shallower pockets."