January 13, 2012
Supermarket chain ASDA has been forced to pay one of its workers £27,000 after it admitted sending a private detective to spy on her whilst recovering from an injury received at work.
Irene Heslop, 65, suffered a suspected spinal fracture in March 2007 after slipping on a broken egg in the warehouse of the supermarket where she worked in Hulme, Greater Manchester. She advised her employers that she was unable to walk long distances or lift heavy loads and requested a return to a position with lighter physical demands.
However ASDA advised Mrs Heslop that no such position was available, and as such she remained away from work for an extended period. During this time, the chain twice hired a private detective to follow and film her going about her daily activities. The footage showed her walking unaided to and from shops near her home in Fallowfield.
Mrs Heslop was unaware of the surveillance until film was shown during her hearing, almost three years later. She said: “‘I couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s left me feeling quite unsafe to know someone was following me around with a video camera.”
Her injury claims were backed up by doctors from Manchester Royal Infirmary, with one specialist submitting evidence that he believed her spine to have been fractured. The court awarded Mrs Heslop a settlement totalling £27,000 to include compensation for her injuries and loss of earnings.
A spokesperson for ASDA said: “The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is our biggest priority and if we fall short of our high standards, we will work to put things right. We always investigate claims thoroughly to make sure we fully understand the facts and can reach the right conclusion for everyone involved. We’re sorry for any upset caused to Irene through resolving this case, and wish her all the best for the future.”
