A Dundee woman whose dream was to join the force claims she was knocked back by Police Scotland because she was on anti-depressants.
Sarah Beattie had passed every stage of the recruitment process and had even secured a start date as a police constable after applying in August 2019.
But in court documents filed with the Employment Tribunal Service, the 35-year-old says Police Scotland suddenly withdrew the offer after ruling her unfit.
It is claimed Optima Health, which carries out medical assessments on behalf of Police Scotland, wrote to Ms Beattie advising her she would need “a minimum of two years of wellness” without treatment before she could begin.
Just days later she received another letter stating that the force would be unable to progress her application and wished her well for the future.
Ms Beattie, 35, says she was left devastated by the news after an arduous two-year recruitment process.
The tribunal claim states she was subject to “direct discrimination due to her depression” and that her offer of employment was withdrawn because she was disabled.
Ms Beattie, who has worked with vulnerable people in the past, including abuse victims and drug addicts, even received a start date of June 2021 as well as attending a uniform fitting in Glenrothes.
Ms Beattie confirmed she has lodged the action but says she does not wish to comment further.
Dundee-based solicitors Muir Myles Laverty is representing Ms Beattie and has begun proceedings against Police Scotland.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “We can confirm that a disability discrimination claim has been lodged against Police Scotland relating to the refusal to appoint a police officer for reasons connected to mental health.
“As this is an ongoing case, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Despite documents being lodged with the Employment Tribunals Service, Police Scotland says it is not yet aware of the case.
A spokesperson said: “We have not been notified about an employment tribunal nor have we received any correspondence regarding this.”
It is understood a preliminary hearing will likely be held in December.
