Lawyer Wins Employment Case Against Legal Firm
Foot Anstey acted in the Employment Tribunal that unanimously found that Susan Heale, a solicitor, was unlawfully discriminated against on the grounds of her pregnancy by Tony Pearce, Deputy District Judge, and Thornleys Solicitors in Plymouth.
There is no limit on the level of compensation that can be awarded in a case like this.
Matthew Huddleson of Foot Anstey, who regularly advises employers in relation to equality and diversity issues, said “Susan Heale’s case highlights the importance of respecting equal opportunities in the workplace, whilst sadly also showing that prejudice still exists.
“There are no winners in a case like this. Employers need to recognise that it is not enough to have an equal opportunities policy, it needs to be followed. Being an employer puts you in a position of responsibility with obligations you must meet or face the consequences, regardless of your opinions. "
The Tribunal also found Ms Heale was unlawfully victimised after she raised concerns about her treatment, was constructively and unfairly dismissed on grounds of her pregnancy and her employer, Thornleys, failed to handle her grievance in accordance with the statutory minimum requirements.
Ms Heale said “The Employment Tribunal’s judgment speaks for itself and I am extremely satisfied with the result.
“I would like to thank the Employment Tribunal for their thorough and considerate handling of my case. I believe this has cost me my career, it has certainly caused untold stress and hardship over the last 18 months. As a result I have lost precious moments with my boys in the first year of their lives. There is no compensation for that.
“Intimidating and hostile behaviour should not be tolerated at any level and I can only hope that my case will serve as a lesson to other employers. I am simply relieved that this is all over and I can finally draw a line and move on".
Ms Heale also thanked her legal team at Exeter based Foot Anstey solicitors, in particular Karen Bates and Matthew Huddleson.
The level of compensation that Pearce and Thornleys will pay Ms Heale will be fixed at a separate remedies hearing expected to take place within the next few months.
Published 03/08/2007
