Obsessive behaviour can amount to a disability – What employers need to know

An employment tribunal judge has recently ruled that obsessive behaviour can amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010. In the case of Courtney vs UBS, a banker suffering with an anxiety disorder that initially presented itself through an obsession with avoiding germs, only drinking bottled water and eating organic food was deemed to be disabled.

When the employee had a baby, the obsessive behaviours shifted to her son. She bought a specialist shower filter system and an air purifier that she transported to wherever her child was located. She also refused to have Wi-Fi in her home due to fears over electromagnetic waves around her and her child.

The tribunal judge found the employee’s obsessions were a mental impairment that had a substantial adverse effect on her ability to carry out normal day-to-day duties and therefore amounted to a disability under the Equality Act.

Learning for employers

This case highlights the need for employers to ensure fair treatment for employees with extreme obsessions and the need to have procedures that provide support.

Steps that employers can take include:

If you need support managing a disability in the workplace, please contact your SSG HR consultant.