Claimant v Openreach Limited
Outcome
Facts
The claimant was employed as a Customer Service Engineer by Openreach from January 2012 to March 2024. He was diagnosed with ADHD as a child in 1995 and was stabbed in 2010, which led to PTSD symptoms. From 2021 onwards he experienced anxiety and depression, sought counselling and medication, and in 2023 became homeless following a relationship breakdown while caring for his young daughter.
Decision
The tribunal found the claimant was disabled by reason of ADHD, PTSD and anxiety throughout the relevant period (January 2023 to April 2024). The tribunal accepted the claimant's evidence that all three conditions had substantial adverse effects on day-to-day activities including mood swings, sleep disturbance, difficulty with finances, disorganisation, and concentration problems, and that these effects were long-term.
Practical note
A diagnosis of ADHD can itself be taken as evidence of substantial adverse effect on day-to-day activities, and tribunals should consider the Equal Treatment Benchbook guidance on neurodevelopmental conditions when assessing disability status.
Legal authorities cited
Statutes
Case details
- Case number
- 6006801/2024
- Decision date
- 9 November 2025
- Hearing type
- preliminary
- Hearing days
- 1
- Classification
- contested
Respondent
- Sector
- telecoms
- Represented
- Yes
- Rep type
- in house
Employment details
- Role
- Customer Service Engineer
- Service
- 12 years
Claimant representation
- Represented
- No