UK NEWS

MORRISONS DENIES 'TOO TALL' CLAIM

Saturday July 14,2007

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A major supermarket chain has denied forcing a 6ft 5in tall man out of a job because of his height.

Darren Arden, 20, of Harwich, Essex, has taken Morrisons to an employment tribunal to argue constructive unfair dismissal.

He claimed he was forced to give up work in the coffee shop of the company's store in Dovercourt, Essex because the counters, till and sink were designed for people shorter than him.

The working conditions caused him back pain that led to him having time off work in late 2005, a tribunal sitting in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk heard on Friday.

Mr Arden claimed the company withdrew the offer of a position in the grocery department, meaning he was unable to return to work after his sick leave.

On Saturday, a Morrisons spokesman said: "Morrisons is satisfied it took all appropriate steps to assist Darren in his return to work; the company does not accept he was let down in the way he alleges."

He said the company has always helped employees with "health problems".

The tribunal continues next Friday.

MORRRISONS - TOO TALLBOY

14.07.07, 9:01pm

Generally speaking home work surfaces are the same 'regulation' height which is far to low for the people of today who are taller than those of yesteryear.
THE ANSWER IS higher work surfaces all round = less back ache, believe I have proven this in my own home.
Good luck.

• Posted by: Robertz • Report Comment

ABOUT TIME THIS BOY GREW UP!

14.07.07, 6:23pm

obviously a 6'.5" fairy...

• Posted by: petefergie • Report Comment

TOO TALL AT MORRISON'S

14.07.07, 4:28pm

If the article is correct, then I think it is unfair if Morrison's are forced to pay this man compensation. If the counters and tills were designed for say, the average person, it's hardly their fault if this caused him back pain because of his extra height.
What are they supposed to do, alter the height of every surface in the store to make it more comfortable for him?
If this man continues throughout his life suing employers due to problems with his height, he is not going to get far. Then again, he might make a career out of it!

• Posted by: steveg • Report Comment