Hairdresser awarded nearly £90,000 in Employment Tribunal after being subjected to pregnancy discrimination.

Background

Ms. Flanagan had been employed by a hair salon since June 2019. In December 2019, after making her employer aware of her pregnancy Ms Flanagan began receiving less favourable treatment.

On 20 October 2021, Ms. Flanagan resigned after nearly 2 years of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

Ms Flanagan brought claims for the following incidents:

• Being denied training opportunities given to her colleagues

• Being demoted to “apprentice” duties

• Having all her clients being reassigned and taken off the online booking system

• Her employer not consulting her for a risk assessment that was put in place

• A risk assessment not being followed

• Breach of confidentiality in relation to her disciplinary process

• Colleagues making jokes about a final warning Ms. Flanagan received

• A colleague shouting “look at you ya scabby little c*nt with your scabby baby”

Judgment

The employer was ordered to pay Ms. Flanagan the following sums:

• Compensation for past financial losses: £27,663.42

• Interest on compensation for past financial losses: £4,466.22

• Compensation for injury to feelings: £25,000.00

• Aggravated damages: £5,000.00

• Interest on compensation for injury to feelings: £12,028.24

• Non-compliance with ACAS code: £2883.17

• Loss of statutory rights: £500.00

What does this mean for you?

Has an employee informed you of their pregnancy? Do you know the correct policies and procedures to follow to prevent a claim for discrimination?

Do you feel your employer has been treating you less favourably since informing them of your pregnancy?

For further information on how we can help you, please contact our Employment team on 0330 088 2275 or employment@buxtoncoates.com