A former bank clerk who will never work again because of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) has been awarded pounds 155,000 compensation.

Michelle Mulligan, 43, began suffering from the upper limb disorder after her workload quadrupled when a new manager arrived in her department at the Midland Bank in Gillingham, Kent, five years ago. Despite complaining of pains to her wrists and shoulders, she said she was told to work through her lunch hour and start work earlier.

Mrs Mulligan retired on medical grounds two years ago and now has to pay for help with cooking and washing. The judgment for compensation at a London county court was originally for pounds 175,000 but after an appeal last week by the bank, Mrs Mulligan has accepted pounds 155,000.