A WOMAN has taken a North-East council to an employment tribunal, alleging she was refused two jobs because of her disability.

Chrissie Allan, 51, of Middlesbrough, says that applications for the posts of housing manager and community centre site manager, with Middlesbrough Borough Council, were turned down because of her health.

However, the council will argue that the reason she did not get the jobs was because she did not have any relevant skills or qualifications.

Mrs Allen, who suffers from polyarthritis, which affects her ability to lift objects and her mobility, and from attention deficit hyperactive disorder, told the tribunal, at Thornaby, that she felt the letter of support which was attached to her job applications was discriminatory as to whether or not she met the criteria for the posts.

Paul Cape, the barrister for the council, told the tribunal that Mrs Allen did not have any experience, skills or qualifications for the level of jobs she had applied for.

The tribunal continues