An Equality Officer found that Kings Laundry Ltd’s English-language policy disadvantaged Ms Beata Milkowska and other workers with little English, but did not discriminate against her in her terms and conditions of employment. The decision was dated 3 December 2013.
Milkowska said she struggled to learn English while working long shifts and that she had been told she might have to pay for an interpreter. Kings Laundry said English was needed for instructions, workflow and health and safety, and that staff were encouraged to learn the language rather than disciplined for failing to do so.
The officer accepted that the policy placed Milkowska and other workers with no English at a particular disadvantage, but found its business aims justified and its implementation appropriate and necessary. The harassment complaint failed because she had not presented evidence of harassment on the ground of nationality. She withdrew her victimisation claim.