Whitbread said it has learned a lesson from the case

But Mrs Prytherch had to leave Bartlewood Lodge near Derby when her flexible hours were stopped.

She took legal action for disability discrimination and won �9,500 in an out-of-court settlement.

Whitbread has apologised for the way she was treated and two managers have been disciplined by the firm.

Awareness training

As a result of her case thousands of Whitbread staff will be getting disability awareness training.

Alison Clarke of Whitbread Restaurants said: "We will absolutely not tolerate discriminatory and abusive behaviour from any of our managers and team members."

The company said it was starting an awareness programme for its 30,000 employees, beginning with managers.

"We are very upset with what has happened and we are making sure it won't happen again," said a spokesman.

Mrs Prytherch said she took pride in her work and has kept the certificates and badges from Whitbread.

"I think it is important that other companies are made aware that this sort of thing could happen in their companies," she said.

Mrs Prytherch has said she hopes the victory will be an inspiration for other workers with disabilities.

Bert Massie, chairman of the Disability Rights Commision, said:"We are really pleased with Sheila's settlement... schemes like Whitbread's disability awareness training programme are an important and encouraging step in the right direction."