Woman takes on police over job rejection

A WOMAN whose application to become a police officer was rejected on medical grounds after she failed an eyesight test is claiming disability discrimination.

Kerry-Ann Cumming, 30, has taken Lothian and Borders Police to an employment tribunal, complaining her rejection breached legislation to prevent individuals from being discriminated against on the grounds of disability.

Miss Cumming, who already works in a civilian role for the police, has now been suspended from her role as a special constable after failing the medical screening test in her bid to become a permanent, full-time officer.

A preliminary employment tribunal has ruled that she is a disabled person under the Disability Discrimination Act, which means her discrimination claim can proceed to be heard by a full employment tribunal.

Miss Cumming, from Edinburgh, is an operations co-ordinator with the force. She was also appointed as a special constable in November 2006 but was suspended in February.

She applied to become a regular constable late last year but despite performing well, she failed the standard vision test and was therefore unfit to proceed to a final medical examination.

Her claim will now be heard by a tribunal at a later date.