Employers need to rethink camera rules for online meetings to support disability needs, says expert

Jo Mackie, employment law partner at Michelmores, said employers may need to rethink camera rules for online meetings, especially where disability or other circumstances make it reasonable to have the camera off. 

This comes after an employment tribunal found ordering workers to join Zoom or Teams calls with their camera on can be disability discrimination.

Some workers can feel anxious or overwhelmed by having their camera on and employers could be liable to pay damages, according to the judgement.

Laura Tait, a travel consultant with anxiety, sued her employer after being told to join a meeting with her camera on. 

Tait was asked to “start with it on and to see how she went”, but could not cope and had to log off. 

She won her case as the company failed to provide reasonable adjustments, including letting her join meetings with her camera off and do fewer voice calls.

Mackie said: “It’s an interesting decision which many employers will take issue with. 

“If there are specific reasons to have a camera off (it’s lunchtime for example and you’re eating while joining an online meeting over lunch) then that makes sense.