Courts / Kildare / Report

Lidl must pay €28k to warehouseman denied light duties after hernia

Date
2026-04-23
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Newbridge
County
Kildare

Summary

Lidl has been ordered to pay €28,000 to a warehouse employee who was denied light duties after suffering a hernia. Lukasz Swiercz, a stock picker, was told there was no work for him after he returned to work with a medical note restricting him to light duties. Lidl did not adjust his role and sent him home, claiming there was no available position. He was referred to occupational health after a letter from his solicitor. Lidl later stated that light duties were too restrictive and offered a phased return. Swiercz returned to work in September 2025, lifting lighter items before resuming his usual duties. The adjudication officer ruled that Lidl failed to provide reasonable accommodation and that its actions amounted to disability discrimination. Compensation was awarded for six months' financial loss and to act as a deterrent. Lidl's refusal to engage with Swiercz and its disciplinary approach were also factors in the award.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lidl must pay €28k to warehouseman denied light duties after hernia. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial

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