A Scottish funeral director has won a payout after being unfairly dismissed by Dignity Funerals following her recovery from cancer treatment. Janie Crampshee was discriminated against by the company when she returned to work post-treatment, as they did not allow her to resume her full responsibilities. The tribunal found that Dignity Funerals did not provide her with the opportunity to fully reintegrate into her role. Crampshee, who described her job as her “dream job”, started her career with Aberdeen Funeral Directors in 2014 and was later promoted to a funeral director role. In 2016, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent extensive treatment, leading to a prolonged period off work. During her absence, the company was taken over by Dignity, one of the largest funeral service providers in the UK. Crampshee returned to work in January 2018 on a reduced schedule of three days a week, three hours per shift, due to her recovery from chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, she was unable to be on call or assist with heavy lifting, citing fatigue from her treatment. An occupational health report in April highlighted operational and financial concerns due to her gradual return, leading to her dismissal within a year of resuming work. In May, Crampshee went on sick leave due to stress caused by a wage dispute and her treatment by the company. Despite being presented with options for a full-time role or an administrative position with reduced pay, she chose neither and was subsequently terminated. The Employment Judge ruled in favour of Crampshee, stating that Dignity should have allowed more time for her reintegration and reasonable adjustments. She was awarded £60,940.62 in compensation following the tribunal. In a statement, Crampshee expressed her gratitude for the outcome of the case.
This ruling sheds light on the importance of supporting employees returning to work after a serious illness or medical treatment. Employers should make reasonable adjustments and allow sufficient time for individuals to fully recover and transition back into their roles. Discrimination based on health conditions, such as cancer, is unacceptable, and companies must ensure fair treatment of all employees, especially during challenging times. The case serves as a reminder of the legal protections in place for individuals facing discrimination in the workplace due to health-related issues. By upholding the rights of employees like Crampshee, we move towards a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone.