UK Neurodivergence Tribunal Cases Jump to 517 in 2025 as Employers Miss Adjustments
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 24
UK Neurodivergence Tribunal Cases Jump to 517 in 2025 as Employers Miss Adjustments
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 24
Summary
517 UK employment tribunal cases mentioned neurodivergent conditions in 2025, up from 265 in 2020, according to Irwin Mitchell’s review of court judgments.
More claims are reaching tribunals as employers overlook reasonable adjustments, rely too heavily on formal diagnoses, or run performance and disciplinary processes that do not account for ADHD, autism and other conditions.
Ryan Toghill won more than £45,000 after a tribunal found Lidl had not fully considered his ADHD during a misconduct process and failed to offer adjustments such as extra breaks; Lidl said it is committed to support and clear communication.
The rise comes alongside soaring diagnosis and referral rates, but lawyers and researchers say many adults still remain undiagnosed, leaving workers to seek protection under the Equality Act without formal confirmation.
A record 531,000 open tribunal claims and a 2027 rule change cutting unfair-dismissal qualifying service to six months could lengthen delays and deepen employer anxiety, potentially feeding hidden bias in hiring.