Log in or become a subscriber

It was reasonable rather than "threatening" for an employer to raise the prospect of resignation with a worker who was struggling, a tribunal has ruled.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia relationship manager sought compensation for an exacerbation of "intrusive tinnitus and depression", which she claimed was caused by workplace bullying and harassment. The employer denied liability and she appealed.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal heard that in 2017, the employee developed tinnitus in her right ear following a chronic middle ear condition, and had a few months off work.

She gradually returned to full-time hours in December, but in February 2018 she "burst into tears" when informing her executive manager that she was experiencing flare ups due to work stress. She requested fewer face-to-face meetings and sought to work from home...