Employee sues for £15 million over not having a window desk

By PAUL THOMPSON

Last updated at 00:59 28 May 2007


A secretary who claims she suffers from the "winter blues" has demanded over £15million in compensation because she was not given a desk near a window.

Caryl Dontfraid is suing her ex-employers for the huge sum after being fired for refusing to work at her desk.

The 35 year old said she suffers from seasonal affective disorder which causes depression.

The problem can be eased by exposure to bright light.

But Miss Dontfraid said her request to sit near a window or a well lit area was rejected by bosses of the New York law firm where she worked.

According to legal papers, Miss Dontfraid was considered a "exemplary employee" at the law firm which specialised in disability claims.

She first asked to be allowed to work at home, and when this was rejected requested to be moved next to a window.

After she refused to sit at her desk, which the law firm claim was three feet from a window, she was sacked.

Her supervisor David Hill, at law firm Binder and Binder, said: "She just refused to take her work station. What was I going to do? Workers have to work."  

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