Legal Updates

Sex discrimination decision upheld by tribunal

Date:  18 Aug 2008

An employment tribunal has upheld its decision to rule in favour of a London lawyer claiming to have suffered sex discrimination at work, it is reported.

Personnel Today reports that an appeal against a ruling that sex discrimination, harassment and victimisation had forced Gill Switalksi, 51, to leave her role as legal head of F&C Asset Management has been rejected.

A spokesperson for the employer expressed disappointment at the decision, but said the firm was heartened that the tribunal had "specifically noted" that issues regarding the credibility of the claimant were "relevant" to any future remedy claims she may make.

Ms Switalski''s solicitor Howard Hymanson claimed she had been subjected to a "hostile publicity campaign" during the proceedings.

She had also faced surveillance and "unnecessary scrutiny" by private investigators, he added.

Mr Hymanson commented: "Our client has, throughout this process, refused to provide any public comment, and instead has put her faith in the employment tribunal system.

"Hopefully a favourable resolution is now in sight, and she intends to make no further comment until the conclusion of the case."

The claimant was suing her former employer for £19 million, reports the Times Online.

Lynne Burns is an employment law specialist working at Vizards Tweedie and dealing with all aspects of employment law

back to Legal Updates